Christ was born in Asia! (Asian-American)

Description: A review of the USCCB article…"Asian and Pacific Presence: Harmony in Faith" found here: http://www.usccb.org/mrs/harmony.shtml

This article written by the USCCB gives insight into the “heartfelt pastoral concern” that exists for our Asian brothers and sisters in the United States. It stresses harmony among ethnic diversity. Specifically, the ethnic diversity that exists among those from different Asian and Pacific homelands who speak varying languages, have many different religious beliefs, and experience different ecclesial structures. This diversity gets transposed into American culture when Asians journey and make the United States their new home. Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, etc…all bring their own unique cultural experiences and faith traditions to our shared continent. As a result, great effort must be made to build community amidst diversity and promote a greater harmony built on a foundation of love.

Summary: The text lays out elements that are important in Religious Education and Evangelization in the Asian Culture. Inculturation, Dialogue with Asian Religions, and Service to the Poor are three central elements when attempting to “preach” the Good News to this ethnic group that the 1^st chapter stresses. The latter “preferential option for the poor” is noted as being the fundamental direction for Asian Catholic Church focus. Many Asians have been (or are) themselves poor, and thus readily identify and find Christ within this focus.

One of the most interesting things when reading this USCCB document occurred when I read the opening paragraphs in which it read, “Christ was born in Asia”. It’s not something one hears EVERY day, so it struck my interest and got me through the somewhat lengthy text. I invite you all to read it yourselves…as we are reminded in it that the Holy Land is a small part of Western Asia.

In the USCCB document the bishops lay out a threefold dialogue of religions, culture, and the poor. This, as expected, falls in-line with the article we were assigned to read this week. Being myself a member of what could be considered a “poor” people, I heavily identify with this theology and the “preferential option for the poor”. I can see parallels between Asian theology and Hispanic theology. Perhaps, in my own life, this is one of the reasons I have been so inspired with Franciscan spirituality.

Anyway, in ending, I invite you all to discover the very diverse Asian American culture; and, to see how extreme diversity can work toward building community in harmony. Our Asian brothers and sisters can teach us all a thing or two about faith, and I am grateful that I was asked to be reminded of that this semester…