Religious pluralism and social ecclesial transformations

Abstract

This article starts with a historical questioning of postmodernity religious phenomenon, revisiting the "Masters of Suspicion" (the three classical philosophers cited by Paul Ricoeur, and Feuerbach), trying to detect the "perversions" of religion. The article presents the spirituality as something different from religion (which may be reinforced or not). Spirituality as the expression of the ancient spiritual traditions and religion as their historical formulations. It is argued that a Holistic Spirituality would seek convergences between all spiritual traditions. From that point we examine some of the major contemporary challenges, namely neoliberalism, postmodernity, as well as matters relating to Justice, Peace and Ecology. The holism is indicated as output to a new paradigm. Finally, we intend to combine the holistic paradigm to the paradigm of liberation theology. Thus, the article concludes with practical issues: the problem of mediations of God's Kingdom, for example: a) the Christian churches today would be mediating the Kingdom? What about the religious life); b) some urgent issues of justice, peace, ecological respect, option for the poor and oppressed, looking for a non-capitalist economic model and more direct democracy, the need for active non-violence, the presence of grace in the midst of strategic and tactics mediations, as well as practice Spirituality ("the Silent Way") following the Master of Galilee.

Keywords

• Mestres da suspeita. Globalização neo-liberal. Espiritualidade e religião. Holismo. Teologia da libertação.