I.  Situation

Asian countries are experiencing widespread globalization due to rapid advances in science and technology especially the mass media and information technology. This results in industrialization, urbanization and internal and external migration (migrants and refugees). There is also the homogenization of cultures. Other effects include depletion of natural resources, unemployment, underemployment, growing inequalities between countries and within the same country. There is likewise an increase in the middle class.

There is the breakdown of families as well and a trend towards secularization, materialism, consumerism, hedonism and instant gratification. Politics is power-driven and business is motivated solely by desire for profit. Having is more important than being. Because of lack of role models there is a crisis of leadership.

There is lack of critical thinking and more and more people are suffering from attention deficit disorder (ADD). They are unable to make responsible choices and to take responsibility for their own growth. There is lack of meaning in life and of understanding of suffering. Suicide, violence and terrorism are on the rise.

There are many positive trends in the situation. There is a resurgence of cultures and religions in the face of homogenization of cultures. There is an awakening need for interdependence and solidarity. As a result of enrichment through access to information and in cultural exchanges, the poor are being empowered through greater access to education and quality of life improved. Persons are becoming more open to new ideas and opportunities for self-learning has increased.

We see a renewed interest in prayer and contemplation and a return to basic human principles. People are more sensitive to human rights especially of women, children, minorities and indigenous peoples. People power has emerged. Youth are in the forefront of movements for transforming society. The NGO’s give a human face to development. There is public awareness of the need to respect life and the integrity of creation. During emergencies resources are shared.

II.  Vision

The new way of being Church in Asia calls for a new evangelization. This challenges us to inculcate and promote human and religious values in our educational programs. Media education is needed for formation in values. Learning should be participative and lead to making choices. This can be promoted through interdisciplinary studies. There is a need to develop learning communities. Education should be on-going. Creativity should be fostered by means of appreciation of beauty through different art forms. This would promote a sense of mystery. There is a greater openness to others that lead a greater respect for other religions as well. Need for interreligious dialogue is also felt.

III.  Recommendations

Values to be fostered are, first of all, self-awareness. The senses, imagination, EQ and IQ should be developed. There must be training in critical thinking in the search of truth.

Social awareness must also be fostered by the critical use of media. Option for the poor and solidarity must be promoted.

So also respect for creation and ecology must be taught. The culture of life must be instilled. This includes respect for life and human dignity, harmony, peace, justice and human rights.

Community building is necessary. This calls for self-transcendence, a spirit of service, training for leadership which works for the common good. We must stress the need to share resources, and especially to provide adequate finance for education programs.

Openness to the transcendent must be fostered through appreciation of beauty which leads to a sense of mystery and respect for creation and life. In this, the use of symbols and images finds place.

Spirituality will result and lead to prayer and contemplation, in silence and solitude. Respect for other religions and interfaith dialogue will help us journey together in our quest for God. This will enable us to find the meaning of life and discover our God-given vocation. A simple life-style will then be appreciated.
The methodology to be adopted in the formation of values must be a multi-level approach: formal, non-formal, informal. It should be on-going as well. The strategies should be interdisciplinary and embrace the total person (mind, heart and will). The Pastoral Spiral must be used.
 

Sharing of experiences
Analysis of causes (personal and structural)
Reflection in faith (silence, prayer, contemplation)
Decision-making
Planning
Action: personal and social
Evaluation
At the heart of the Pastoral Spiral: Love, Cross, Prayer and Contemplation

END