139
CHAPTER FOUR
THE SOCIAL DIMENSION
OF EVANGELIZATION
176.âTo evangelize is to make the kingdom of
God present in our world. Yet âany partial or
fragmentary definition which attempts to render
the reality of evangelization in all its richness,
complexity and dynamism does so only at the risk
of impoverishing it and even of distorting itâ.
140
I would now like to share my concerns about the
social dimension of evangelization, precisely be-
cause if this dimension is not properly brought
out, there is a constant risk of distorting the au-
thentic and integral meaning of the mission of
evangelization.
I.âC
ommunal
and
societal
repercussions
of
the kerygma
177.âThe kerygma has a clear social content: at
the very heart of the Gospel is life in community
and engagement with others. The content of the
first proclamation has an immediate moral impli-
cation centred on charity.
Confession of faith and commitment to society
178.âTo believe in a Father who loves all men
and women with an infinite love means realizing
140
âP
aul
VI, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation
Evangelii
Nuntiandi
(8 December 1975), 17: AAS 68 (1976), 17.