Father Georg Elsbett, L.C., analyzes the process of secularization in Europe to answer whether there is something the United States can learn from Europe to better face the onslaught of secularism.
Father Georg Elsbett, L.C., lives in Vienna, where 99% of Catholics under 35 do not practice their faith. Based on his experience and trend analysis, Fr. Georg gave a lecture at the Napa Institute in the United States, where he addressed a fundamental question: “Can we learn from Europe to better face the onslaught of secularism?” Additionally, Fr. Georg delved into the following question: “How do we make people who don’t believe, believe?”
Fr. Georg’s responses are based on the context provided by the Megatrends of “Optionalization” (Charles Taylor) and “authenticity” (interpreted by J. Hartl from his understanding of modernity). The five principles, which not only respond to these megatrends but actively utilize them, are:
– Principles about models. Do not seek a model to follow but principles to shape.
– Maintain tension (the idea of “Spannungseinheit” by Romano Guardini applied to pastoral work)
– Facilitate meaningful faith experiences: people are increasingly seeking experiences rather than answers to questions (although answers are important).
– Prioritize discipleship: think in terms of “steps” or “processes” rather than “apostolates”
– Live authentic evangelizing community
The foundation of all the above is obviously a Culture of Prayer. We offer the full talk by Fr. Georg, director of the Zentrum Johannes Paul II in Vienna. Below is the complete video of the conference:
