This thesis, after appropriate analysis, proposes a number of principles, which guide both an understanding of the new evangelization as formulated by Pope John Paul II and how the new evangelization can be applied. The key insight of the new evangelization is that growing numbers of people, especially in Western countries such as Australia, whilst retaining what can be termed a 'loose' form of Christian affiliation, can no longer be described as having a living sense of the Gospel. This makes

more »

... hese people distinct from the classical focus of missionary activity, namely, those who have never heard the Gospel proclaimed. Pope John Paul II's exposition of the new evangelization arose from his understanding of key conciliar and post conciliar documents. In this understanding, the new evangelization is one of the clear fruits of the Council, a path that can be traced from Ad Gentes (1965) to Evangelii Nuntiandi (1975) to the writings of John Paul II. The concept of the new evangelization is a response to the new reality of this growing number of loosely affiliated Christians and can be interpreted on a number of levels. In essence, this concept proposes a reorientation toward a deep, personal, and abiding relationship with Christ. The new evangelization is also a living out of this renewed relationship manifested most obviously by a desire to bring others into communion with Christ. It has a clear ecclesiological dimension as a closer communion with Christ is experienced as part of a community of faith. Following from this, the new evangelization is well situated within an ecclesiology of communion, which arises from the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium (1964). Within this ecclesiology, a discipleship model of Church is privileged. The thesis engages a wide range of scholarly thought in seeking to better understand the conditions that have led to the need for the new evangelization.;Changes in socialization patterns along with the emergence of a diffuse spirituality have led to what is described as [...]