Colombo: a book on the Christian contribution to national life
The book’s author, Wijith Rohan, a Catholic, teaches Western classic culture and Christian culture. His book, which contains 16 articles centred on the country’s political history, was presented by a Buddhist scholar, who stressed its importance for today’s society. “Catholicism,” the latter said, “teaches about the freedom of the oppressed”.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – Wijith Rohan, a Catholic who teaches Western classical culture and Christian culture at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, just published Christian vision of Sri Lankan politics, a book that provides an interpretation of Sri Lankan politics from a Christian perspective, one that emphasises the importance of Jesus's mission on the side of the oppressed.
The book launch was held at the Centre for Society and Religion (CSR) in Maradana, Colomob, on 30 June. For Dr Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri, who presented the tome, “It is a very useful book for today's society. It should be read by people of every religion, because it is an essential tool to learn how to live peacefully and without problems."
The presenter, a Buddhist, added: “As I went through the book’s chapters, I realised that it is not only good for Catholics but also for everyone. The author’s vision is useful for the whole country."
“Christian Vision of Lankan Politics consists of 16 articles on various political issues faced by Sri Lanka seen through biblical interpretation,” the author told AsiaNews. This touches “Sri Lanka’s Civil War, the Church, Christianity and politics, law, human rights, freedom, and a Biblical vision of economics.”
Christian political theology goes back to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. This was followed later by the Church of Rome in the Second Vatican Council. In the recent past, theologians became politically engaged, like those who challenged Nazi Germany, or those who promoted liberation theology in Latin America, Asia and Africa.
"None of them took a path of violence,” Rohan explained. “On the contrary, they were victims of the violence of the state or of the ruling regimes.
“The roots of Sacred Scriptures call on people of good will to bear witness to the Kingdom of God on earth. People with such a political vision, with a perspective of liberation, can face risks and positively meet the radical vocation of Jesus of Nazareth.”
For the scholar, “it is not possible to live on this earth, and think only about one’s own liberation. We have to think about the liberation of the whole human race.”
“No one can say that religion is unnecessary because without it we cannot lead a good life,” said Dr Nirmal Ranjith. “Religion cannot be separate from human life. In this sense, Catholicism is really important because it speaks and teaches about the freedom of the oppressed.”
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24/01/2007
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