ABSTRACT:
The advent of digital communications technologies within a short period has rapidly increased the degree of connectedness. The ability to access, share, and contribute to the flow of information is continually expanding. This complex and increased connectedness will continue to rise in the coming years and revolutionize how we interact with others and the world. This paper contributes to reimagining mission given this context, it argues that in the current milieu it should be oriented towards interconnectivity, exacerbated by the era of globalization that contributed to an increased of connections that has exponentially accelerated cultural exchanges. Using a qualitative method of contextual analysis, this study seeks to understand how the complexities of contemporary realities shape mission. This paper explores the crucial shifts in paradigms in missiology, a perspective change from Church-centered (missio ecclesiae) to God-centered (missio Dei). The paradigm shift has important implications for understanding mission and, more importantly, the nature, purpose, and modality of mission. This study discusses the agents and instruments of mission in a God-centered framework. Thus, delving into the theological aspects of mission today emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s significant role as the principal agent of mission. Furthermore, this study identifies emerging spaces of mission that seek interconnectivity in the global world. Given that these spaces of mission are continuously shaped by globalization, the Church is called to adapt to new directions and challenges.
Cite this article:
Maila Montemayor-Blanza. Beyond Boundaries: Exploring New Paradigms of Mission in an Interconnected World. Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 2025;16(3):181-4. doi: 10.52711/2321-5828.2025.00030
Cite(Electronic):
Maila Montemayor-Blanza. Beyond Boundaries: Exploring New Paradigms of Mission in an Interconnected World. Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 2025;16(3):181-4. doi: 10.52711/2321-5828.2025.00030 Available on: https://rjhssonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2025-16-3-4
REFERENCES:
1. Amaladoss, Michael. The Utopia of the Human Family: Among the Religions of Humanity. Concilium. 2001; 5: 81-88.
2. The Mission of Religious. Consecrated Life Today: Charisms in the Church for the World. 1994; 1: 120-140.
3. Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shift in Theology of Mission. Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books. 1991.
4. Brunner, Emil. The Word and the World. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1931.
5. John Paul II. Encyclical Letter on the Permanent Validity of the Church’s Missionary Mandate Redemptoris Missio. AAS.1991; 83: 300-316.
6. Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on Jesus Christ the Savior and His Mission of Love and Service in Asia Ecclesia in Asia. AAS. 2000; 92: 478-482.
7. Francis. Apostolic Exhortation on the Proclamation of the Gospel in Today’s World Evangelii Gaudium. AAS. 2013; 105: 1038-1039.
8. Pernia, Antonio. State of Mission Today. Religious Life Asia. 2014; 16(3): 41-59.
9. The State of Mission Today.Verbum SVD. 2014; 55(1): 10-12.
10. Phan, Peter C. In Our Tongues Perspectives from Asia on Mission and Inculturation Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2003.
11. Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue. The Attitude of the Church towards the Followers of Other Religions. Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 1984.
12. Tennent, Timothy C. Invitation to World Missions: A Trinitarian Missiology for the Twenty-First Century. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel Academic. 2010.
13. Van Engen, Charles Edward. Transforming Mission Theology. Pasadena, California: William Carey Library. 2017.
14. Vatican II, Decree on the Mission Activity of the Church. Ad Gentes. AAS. 1966; 57: 947 – 990.