"Dialogue between cultures"by Bishop William S. Skylstad (From the February 8, 2001 edition of the Inland Register)
As we begin a new millennium, there is increasing hope for a truly universal brotherhood. Unless this becomes a reality, there will no way to ensure peace. There are signs of improvement: the United Nations Charter of Human Rights; the process of globalization leading to progressive unification of economy, culture and society; and in general, better relationships between world religions. On the other hand, there are clouds of darkness: the open wounds of bitter, bloody conflicts; increasing difficulty of maintaining solidarity between people of different cultures and civilizations; and the inability to confront intelligently new configurations of nations and peoples, resulting in accelerated migration. We have in our world an amazing complexity and diversity of human cultures. Culture is basically a form of self-expression through history. It is always marked by stable and enduring elements as well as by changing features and contingent features. Every culture has its limitations. In order to prevent isolation, we must know other cultures. Cultural diversity should be understood with the broader horizon of the unity of the human race. The authenticity of each human culture and the validity of its moral bearings can be measured by its commitment to the human cause and by its capacity to promote human dignity at every level and in every circumstance. In this area, however, there are dangers as well; for example, radicalization of culture, the slavish conformity to culture, and the growing evidence of the impoverishment of some cultural models of the West. A culture that no longer has a point of reference in God loses its soul and loses its way, becoming a culture of death. Yet just as individuals come to maturity through receptive openness to others and through self-giving, so do cultures mature and grow. The notion of communion never implies a dull uniformity or enforced assimilation. This respect is a sign of richness and a promise of growth. New cultural practices, introduced by immigrants, should be respected and accepted. As long as a culture is truly alive, it needs have no fear of being replaced. The Holy Father concludes the letter with values that are common to all cultures: The value of solidarity. With growing inequalities in our world, the promotion of justice is at the heart of solidarity. It is not just a question of giving our surplus to those in need, but of helping entire peoples, marginalized or excluded, to be able to enter into the sphere of economic and human development. The value of life. In addition to mutual human respect, cultures should not fail to have a lively sense of the value of life itself. There are many wonderful examples in our times of generosity and dedication in this regard, but there are also significant signs of the violation of the dignity of the human person. The weakest and most vulnerable in our world demand special concern and attention. The value of education. Fundamental in the dialogue between cultures is the value and responsibility for education. We must not only learn about our own roots, but teach respect for other cultures as well. Education has a particular role to play in building a more united and peaceful world. The value of reconciliation and forgiveness. From the Christian point of view, reconciliation and forgiveness are the only paths that lead to the goal of peace. Some may judge this approach to be naïve, but it is the way of Jesus, especially as we see him on the cross. We are called to missionaries of forgiveness and reconciliation. Pope John Paul concludes with an appeal to the youth of the world. Clearly, last August’s World Youth Day in Rome had a tremendous impact on the Holy Father. That marvelous coming together of diversity in unity is a clear indication of the miracle of the universality of the Church. In the last paragraph of his message, he writes: “Dear young people of every language and culture, a high and exhilarating task awaits you: that of men and women capable of solidarity, peace and love of life, with respect for everyone. Become craftsmen of a new humanity, where brothers and sisters, members all of the same family, are able at last to live in peace.” Indeed, may it be so. May God bless all of you and give you peace.
Bishop Skylstad’s Schedule
Feb. 5-9: National Catholic Bioethics Center workshop, Dallas
 Home |
Pope John Paul II is leaving a tremendous legacy of writings and
teachings that will be valuable to the Church for centuries to come.
For example, his contributions to social teaching, to ecumenism, and
to analysis of cultures have been tremendous. Consistently over the
years I have found his World Day of Peace messages on each Jan. 1 to
be insightful, timely and challenging. His last message, for this
year of 2001, is titled “Dialogue Between Cultures for a
Civilization of Love and Peace.” I would like to summarize briefly
the reflections and shared values in that document as we address the
matter of relationship amongst cultures.