Imagine a group of strangers asking Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa, or another Christian mystic or prophet to speak to them about Jesus and about the God Jesus revealed. It would be fascinating to imagine their answers.

Surely, they would have suggested reading the Gospels.

Next, would they recommend reading the Catechism or a compendium of doctrines and dogmas? Unlikely.

Not that credal statements, doctrines and dogmas, and a good knowledge of the sacraments are unnecessary. Christians will need them later to understand better and explain their faith.

Jesus’ message

During his earthly life Jesus spoke of God, of God’s love and mercy, and about sharing and service. Jesus assured that God offers us all the fullness of life, here and now, and in the life beyond death.

Jesus spoke to the disciples in stories and parables about who God is, who he is, what God’s plans are for us, and how we are expected to live. Jesus’ examples and illustrations energized and empowered, freed and healed the people.

His stories left many with a sense of gratitude and wonder. Gathered around Jesus, they somehow experienced God’s power and presence.

Faith is indispensable,
but our understanding
of Christianity
would have been richer
if hope and charity
had been equally integrated
and emphasized.

Early Christian witness

Early Christians shared their experiences, which inevitably included what Jesus meant to them, how their lives were transformed, and how they began to share what they had and forgive those they once found difficult.

Narratives were a lifeline in the spread of Christianity, and they ought to be so even today, to share about God and God’s action in the world.

Influence of cultures

Even though Jesus was born on Asian soil, the Greco-Roman worldview and thought patterns influenced Christianity more than any other. Some early Christian scholars used abstract vocabulary to define and describe who God is and what God does, and to defend and protect the Christian faith against false or mistaken understandings.

As it happened at Nicaea, down the millennia, bishops, theologians, and other intellectuals have continued to discuss, debate, and make statements that help Christians better understand their faith.

Faith, hope and charity

Faith is indispensable, but our understanding of Christianity would have been richer if hope and charity had been equally integrated and emphasized. Indeed Saint Paul reminded the community that while faith, hope and love are essential, the greatest is love.

How many Christians today can boldly share what Jesus means to them, how he changed their lives, and how they found new meaning and purpose because they are Christians?

Knowing clearly who God is is only the first step. A faith that shapes one’s values, virtues and choices—a faith that embraces hope, charity and justice—is what is needed today.

Besides scholars and intellectuals, Christianity requires mystics, monks and prophets who can tell us about Jesus and the God Jesus revealed, in song and dance, in word and in silence.

It is an authentic conversation about God in our cultural context that nourishes and energises us.

• Stanislaus Alla SJ holds a doctorate from Boston College, USA. He is an internationally published writer with interests in ethical concerns. He currently teaches at Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi.