The significance of discovering the ACTUALIZATION and INCULTURATION in the Bible's Interpretation, according to the instructions of the Pontifical Biblical Commission (PBC) (1), keeps Christians in true Faith of the Catholic. Given the importance of these documents, I humbly suggest that the writings be presented in small sections, with attached examples. Hope that it will remain fruitful for a few Christians.
Part I: ACTUALIZATION
1. The principles for actualizing the Holy Bible.
"The church, indeed, does not regard the Bible simply as a collection of historical documents dealing with its own origins; it receives the Bible as word of God, addressed both to itself and to the entire world at the present time." Therefore, the actualization, which means reading the Bible again in the context of temporary Christians in applied situations, is one factor in the standards for interpreting the Holy Bible. There are four necessary principles for this process.
First, the adaptation of the Holy Bible is suitable for all cultures. Furthermore, it "can at the same time both relativize and enrich the value systems and norms of behavior of each generation." This adaptation was manifested concretely through missionaries who proclaimed the Holy Bible to strange lands. For example, Fr. Matteo Ricci entered China, translated the Holy Bible into Chinese, and used familiar images from the local people, so that the Chinese received the Word of the Lord. Hence, "it is necessary to apply their message to contemporary circumstances and to express it in language adapted to the present time."
Next, fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament is the role of the New Testament, so the actualization reminds interpreters and Christians who read the Bible and its exegetes to keep the consciousness of these relationships. So, the role of bishops and priests is to teach the Word of the Lord to His People. In the masses, for instance, priests often give homilies that connect the New and Old Testaments through main topics, then give practical advice following those topics. Also, homilies cannot be replaced in Sunday Masses by other parts, and the connection of two or three readings is normal.
Third, the tradition of the community of faith contributes to the vibrancy of actualization, since transmitting the original dynamism and protecting the full meaning of the Holy Bible are duties of this tradition. One reason for the Church's enduring continuity is the tradition of the community of faith. I can see this in Vietnamese groups living far from their hometown. The actualization of those groups keeps traditional organizations as they are in their homelands, but they still adapt to the new environment in which they live.
Finally, does actualization manipulate the Bible? The answer of PBC is "The text of the Bible has authority over the Christian church at all times, and, although centuries have passed since the time of its composition, the text retains its role of privileged guide not open to manipulation." However, there are many instances of using the Bible as an individual instrument or for personal advantage. For example, some people used the Bible as inciting or provocative statements, while others attended their personal organizations, but what happened? Attenders may not know those organizations' purpose because they are persuaded by ideal quotes from the Bible.
Nevertheless, which methods warrant the true actualization in faithful to the Church? It will be found in the next part...
Author: Little Stream
Photo: Moon
Note:
(1) https://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/PBC_Interp-FullText.htm#Sec3
