Pope Francis is keenly aware of the church’s mission of evangelization. His Sept. 19 reported comments downplaying an emphasis on sin would seem to indicate that he is not so much aware of the media’s mission of titillation.
Evangelism is proclaiming that Jesus saves us from our sins. It seems essential that the proclamation elucidate our sins lest there be no need for Jesus or the mission of the church.
Our secular culture challenges the church on the definition of sin. Freedom of religion and conscience would give license to any definition if not coupled with the responsibility to seek the fullness of truth which the church offers. Not highlighting sins in our culture feeds the deceit of relativism and syncretism negating the need for Christ and the church.
The lesson is don’t trust the media, at least the secular media. Since we are all sinners it opts to communicate only that portion of truth it deems of most interest to sinners.
Jim Devereaux
Ijamsville