77
ing thrust could emerge from these adulterated
forms of Christianity.
95.âThis insidious worldliness is evident in a
number of attitudes which appear opposed, yet
all have the same pretence of âtaking over the
space of the Churchâ. In some people we see
an ostentatious preoccupation for the liturgy,
for doctrine and for the Churchâs prestige, but
without any concern that the Gospel have a real
impact on Godâs faithful people and the con-
crete needs of the present time. In this way, the
life of the Church turns into a museum piece or
something which is the property of a select few.
In others, this spiritual worldliness lurks behind
a fascination with social and political gain, or
pride in their ability to manage practical affairs,
or an obsession with programmes of self-help
and self-realization. It can also translate into a
concern to be seen, into a social life full of ap-
pearances, meetings, dinners and receptions. It
can also lead to a business mentality, caught up
with management, statistics, plans and evalua-
tions whose principal beneficiary is not Godâs
people but the Church as an institution. The
mark of Christ, incarnate, crucified and risen, is
not present; closed and elite groups are formed,
and no effort is made to go forth and seek out
those who are distant or the immense multitudes
who thirst for Christ. Evangelical fervour is re-
placed by the empty pleasure of complacency
and self-indulgence.
