John Paul II and the New Evangelization: How You Can Bring the Good News to Others [Paperback]

This work is an updated version of papers presented at a 1994 "new evangelization" conference that grew out of an article by Fr. Avery Dulles (now a cardinal). Dulles, who was the keynote speaker, and other presenters addressed efforts of Vatican II participants and Popes Paul VI and John Paul II to clarify the call for Christian evangelization.

The 23 articles are grouped under six headings: Catching the Vision, Perspectives on Evangelization, How You Can Evangelize, Bringing the Good News to All People, Evangelizing as a Parish, and Evangelization and Christian Unity. Though all the authors are experts in their fields, and many refer widely to scholarly documents, the articles themselves are well within the grasp of the average reader and the content is practical, interesting, and inspiring.

In describing the "new" evangelization, Dulles writes, "Vatican II generally meant the proclamation of the basic Christian message of salvation through Jesus Christ." Other authors discuss evidence that many Catholics are not clear on the message and have no personal relationship with Jesus, two elements integral to evangelization strategies employed by Southern Baptists and others. The collection also includes stories of personal conversion, such as "Evangelizing in Business and Government" by Michael Timmis and how-to articles such as "The Story of an Evangelizing Parish" by Fr. Marc Montminy.

Fr. Montminy's conclusion reminds us that Jesus didn't die on the cross and send the Spirit so we could be nice to each other, offer a variety of parish activities, and reach out to the poor. "Jesus wants everyone to be holy! Spiritual growth is for everyone, which means that the ordinariness of everyday life is meant to be caught up in the vision of Jesus and power of the Holy Spirit. For that to happen, each one of us must hear the Good News and respond to it."

John Paul II and the New Evangelization

How You Can Bring the Good News to Others

Edited by: Ralph Martin and Peter Williamson

This book is an eclectic gathering of essays by many high ranking Catholics. Its pages explain in great detail the passion of the late Pope John Paul II. Evangelism is not new by any stretch of the imagination, but Pope John Paul II did coin the term, new evangelization, in meaning the way that it should be done. "The evangelical shift brought about by Vatican II, Paul VI, and John Paul II is one of the most dramatic developments in modern Catholicism," states Father Avery Dulles, S.J.

Predecessor to John Paul II, Paul VI, saw evangelization as the very mission of the church. He is stated saying that the basis of all evangelization is the "one gospel given in Jesus Christ." "As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." (John 20:21).

The words from these authors signify the great need that there is today for the Catholic Church to fulfill its mission. In the first chapter it says that there are four characteristics that separate the new evangelization from previous centuries: 1. the participation of every Christian. 2. Distinct from foreign missions. 3. Directed to cultures. 4. Envisaging comprehensive Christianization.

The message that the gospel teaches is that we are saved through grace, saved by faith. We are saved by "the obedience of faith" Romans 16:26. God doesn't just give us his grace, he enables us to obey. We are saved from Hell for Heaven by Jesus.

Chapter three says that the Holy Spirit gives Catholics three reasons why they should evangelize: faith, hope, and charity. You are to give of them freely, because you did not pay a price, Christ did. This faith is what unlocks the doors of Heaven, and it is through Jesus "the way, the truth, and the life" that we get to Heaven. Another key to sharing is love. The love that we have and the love of God create urgency for sharing the good news and getting the gospel message out there.

The book explains that we are to take on the great commission for ourselves, being in harmony with God's plan. It also speaks about the power and need for prayer. Evangelization is not just a Protestant thing, it is the very work of the church, and it is for every church.

In 1992, on November 18th, the US plan of Go and Make Disciples was written and put into practice. It is a strategy and plan for Catholics in the US of how to go about evangelization.

The next part of the book tells about how the church was created, initiation into the Christian faith, the first missionaries, growth and development of the church, and who the biggest religions are. Surprisingly they are the Pentecostals and the Catholics. Both are at complete different ends of the spectrum. It then gives the specific steps for effective evangelization. Using your personal spiritual gifts is another area that is discussed. Preaching on the streets is not just for the Protestants any more.

Part four of the book is about evangelizing everyone. There are specific essays directed at each demographic: poor, married, teenagers, government and business, and Hispanic Americans.

The final portion of this amazing book is about how to evangelize as a parish, turning everyone into evangelists and into a community. It discusses that this is a great "spring time" for Christianity. The steps are laid out in a nice neat little row for you to follow.

This is a very interesting read, and if anyone has ever wondered about the life work of John Paul II, this is the book for them. It is on the technical side, so if you want a story, wait for the biography. Very enlightening, and it sparked an interest in me to study further about the Catholic religion and their history.

This collection of essays from clerical and lay writers offers wide ranging background information and practical advice about the New Evangelism. It covers:

1. Historical and theological background;

2. How New Evangelism is playing out in different parts of the world;

3. How we can become authentic evangelists;

4. How to evangelize different groups, such as teenagers;

5. Evangelizing as a parish, and

6. Ecumenical opportunities for evangelism.

The writers are persuasive because they are not just writing about evangelism, they're living it. Some have transformed parishes; others lead organizations that reach out to the poorest of the poor. Whether you are looking for "how-to" instruction or just a better understanding, you can find it here.

One message that comes through loud and clear in every essay is this: evangelism is central to our mission as Christians. In that sense, this book is a must-read for all the faithful.

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