|
2.
THE USE OF THE MEDIA FOR GIVING THE GOOD NEWS
126. Christ commanded the
Apostles and their successors to "teach all nations" 58, to
be "the light of the world"59 and to announce the Good News
in all places at all times. During His life on earth, Christ showed himself to
be the perfect Communicator, while the Apostles used what means of social
communication were available in their time. It is now necessary that the same
message be carried by the means of social communication that are available
today. Indeed it would be difficult to suggest that Christ's command was being
obeyed unless all the opportunities offered by the modern media to extend to
vast numbers of people the announcement of his Good News were being used.
Therefore the Second Vatican Council invited the people of God "to use
effectively and at once the means of social communication, zealously availing
themselves of them for apostolic purposes".60
127. The necessity for doing
this is quite obvious once it is realized that modern men are immersed in the
tide of social communication when they are forming their profound convictions
and adopting their attitudes. This is as true of religious convictions and
attitudes as it is of any other sort.
128. The modern media offer
new ways of confronting people with the message of the Gospel, of allowing
Christians even when they are far away to share in sacred rites, worship and
ecclesiastical functions. In this way they can bind the Christian community
closer together and invite everyone to participate in the intimate life of the
Church. Of course the mode of presentation has to suit the special nature of
the medium being used. The media are not the same as a church pulpit. It cannot
be overstressed that the standard of such presentations must at least equal in
quality the other productions of the media.
129. The media are invaluable
helps for Christian education. They can call on the services of the greatest
specialists in religious teaching as well as of experts on all the questions
that arise. The media have at their command all the technical facilities
required for attractive and contemporary presentation. They can back up most
effectively the personal work of the daily teacher. Their resources make
possible the radical changes that are required in the whole style of religious
instruction today.
Since the instruments of social
communication are the usual channels for giving the news and voicing
contemporary man's attitudes and views, they offer marvellous opportunities to
all for considering the deeper implications of their religious convictions
through the discussion of events and problems of the day. The Christian can
then apply these deepened convictions to his daily life.
130. People today have grown
so used to the entertaining style and skilful presentation of communications by
the media that they are intolerant of what is obviously inferior in any public
presentation. It makes no difference if this be a religious occasion, such as,
for example, a liturgical ceremony, a sermon or religious instruction.
131. In order to make the
teaching of Christianity more interesting and effective the media should be
used as much as possible. Every effort should be made to use the most
appropriate technique and style in fitting a communication to its medium.
132. The Church can use means
of communication that are not under her control but which, under agreed
conditions, are offered for her use. Where it is necessary, she may also
herself own and administer means of communication. No hard and fast rules can
here be laid down; the situation varies from place to place. Religious
authorities will advise those who are involved in this apostolate what to do
within the differing conditions of different countries. They should give this
advice when they have consulted the local experts and, if it should be
necessary, after seeking international advice.
133. Considerable financial
resources are required if Catholics are to meet their different commitments to
further human progress in the light of the Gospel both by making their proper
contribution to social communication and by using these God-given methods
themselves. Catholics are called upon to ponder their responsibilities in this
field and to meet them with generosity "... as it would ill become the
faithful to suffer the word of salvation to be confined and
circumscribed".61
134. In view of the mounting
importance of the means of social communication - to the life of mankind in
general and of the Church in particular - the media should receive a great deal
more emphasis than they presently get in the overall plans for pastoral action
made by episcopal conferences. These plans should make the necessary funds
available for use in the areas under their jurisdiction. Funds should also be
made available for international cooperation.
|