Have we lost our nerve? Changing theologies of Christian mission

It may be argued that the Church has lost its nerve in relation to proclaiming the Gospel; and there are some who would situate this trend with the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Such a judgment is devoid of an historical sense of the Church's relation to culture; and it fails to see how Vatican II has inspired a much richer sense of Christian life and mission for the post-colonial world. The emerging theological paradigm for mission emphasises that proclamation of the Gospel must be carried out in respectful dialogue—hence the metaphor, "prophetic dialogue." While remaining a prominent aspect of Christian life, evangelisation today needs to be undertaken with fresh eyes on the reign of God, inculturation, struggle for human liberation, reconciliation, option for the poor, the power of the Holy Spirit and interfaith dialogue.