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The media of communication
209. Intrinsically connected
with the question of language is that of the means of communication. One of the
most effective and pervasive means is the mass media. "The very evangelization
of modern culture depends to a great extent on the influence of the
media". (120)
While not repeating what has already been
said of the mass media elsewhere, (121) some indications are
proposed as useful in inculturation: a greater appreciation of the media for
their specific communication quality, while realizing the importance of
balancing the language of image and that of word; the safeguarding of the
genuine religious meaning of selected forms of expression; the promotion of
critical maturity among audiences, stimulating them to a deep, personal
discernment of what has been received from the media; the production of
catechetical aids congruent with this aim and the effective co-operation of all
those engaged in pastoral initiatives. (122)
210. The catechism and, above
all, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is central to the process of
inculturation, and it must be used so as to evince a "vast range of
services... which aim at inculturation, which, to be effective, must never
cease to be true". (123)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church expressly
calls for the preparation of appropriate local catechisms, incorporating those
adaptations required by difference of culture, age, spirituality and in the
social and ecclesial situations of those to whom catechesis is addressed. (124)
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