THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTIANITY AND THE SOCIO-SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION (ANIMATION) OF THE WORLD IN THE LIGHT OF GAUDIUM ET SPES (GS) 43

Abstract

Despite the many scientific and technological advancements of humanity especially in the modern age, the world is still filled with anxieties, pains, turmoil, and miseries. The scientific and technological advancements include biotechnological interventions, reproductive technologies, the rise of artificial intelligence, the growth and rapid increase in information technology, agricultural advancement, etc. While not all that have been invented in the above domains are ethically acceptable, there is hope in the good aspects of the inventions. Human history and civilization should be guided by the spirit of God, the supreme being who created the world and loves the world. The role of the Church emanating from God and Christ is to be a pastor and moral guide to humanity as God leads people to heaven. This paper argues that the world needs to be transformed, animated, and renewed with the spirit of Christ and Christianity. The Catholic Church's document: Gaudium et Spes(Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World) provides a guide on this. The paper uses critical analytic and hermeneutic methods to unravel the issues at stake. The paper finds that the Church has a role to play in the earthly city (the world). The paper concludes that when the Church animates the world with the spirit of Christianity the world becomes a better earthly city and place.