Jesus said to him, I am the true and living way: no one comes
to the Father but by me.
(John 14:6)
The beginning of mass communication dates back to the XV century, with the development of typography. The German Johann Gutenberg (1400-1468) developed a printing process, with movable types of metal, representing a great advance for cultural dissemination on a production scale. It was in the contemporary period of the Renaissance (XV and XVI centuries), a movement of cultural renewal that transformed the European mentality in the arts, science and philosophy. Desirous of rational explanations about nature, Renaissance intellectuals turned to humanist criticism, based on three points: clash with theology, desire for change and transformation of customs. Theological criticism was directed at the practices of the Catholic Church, and its relationship with medieval culture. Aiming to gain control over life, the humanists revolutionized customs, according to values that stimulated the intellectuals of the time. Intellectuals responded with increased cultural production. The arts gained new contours and techniques, breaking away from the Church's monopoly, while science was contemplated with an increase in the number of researchers and the valorization of reason and experimentation. Humanist values began to exert a strong influence on society's behavior, having as "feedback" the satisfaction of their needs, according to the ideals of life in the moment. In this context, the press played the role of an agent of mass communication, serving as a channel for disseminating the humanist ideals of the Renaissance. Explaining the great affinity of the press with humanist values.
The development of typography, in addition to the great leap towards cultural dissemination on a production scale, contributed to increasing criticism of the practices of the religious clergy (Catholic Church). At the beginning of the XVI century, the theologian and German priest Martin Luther (1483-1546) led the Protestant Reformation, the Christian reform movement. Martin Luther released the ninety-five theses (1517), proposals for reforms in the Church. The protest against the different points of the doctrine of the Catholic Church cost the excommunication of Martin Luther (1520). The critique of the Protestant Reformation to the practices of the Catholic Church had its foundation in the Holy Bible, unlike the humanist critique, with its foundation in reason. The two criticisms are antagonistic, Christians with ideals of eternal life, and humanists with ideals of momentary life (here and now). The fundamental principles of the Protestant Reformation (christian criticism) were based on five theological points, the pillars of Christian life.
1. "Sola Escriptura" (Scripture Only) - The Holy Bible is the only word inspired by God.
“The Holy Bible (sixty-six books) is an ordinary book, being closed. However, if you open, read and meditate on the Word of God, it is God's inspiration and the only rule of faith and practice to the Christian life.” (Extracted from the book, Christology at your Reach, 2010).
2. "Solus Cristus" (Christ Only) - Christ is the only mediator between God and man.
"The summary of God's Plan for Salvation in Jesus Christ consists of God accepting to come in human form (Jesus). Jesus died on the cross taking the sins of mankind with him, rising on the third day. Before Jesus' coming, God made covenants with men, transitory symbols of the new, superior and eternal covenant, of which Christ Jesus is the Mediator."
(Extracted from the book, Christology at your Reach, 2010).
3. “Sola Gratia” (Only grace) – Salvation is an ineffable gift from God.
"... New Covenant (period of grace inaugurated with Jesus), grace is achieved through the interior transformation of the understanding and mind (spiritual heart), and no longer through external rituals, as in the period of the law." (Extracted from the book, Christology at your Reach, 2010).
4. “Sola Fide” (Faith Only) – Justification by Faith alone.
"...justification by faith in Jesus Christ removes condemnation through the forgiveness of sins, removes guilt through the righteousness of God, and restores fellowship through Jesus." (Extracted from the book, Christology at your Reach, 2010).
5. "Soli Deo Gloria" (Glory to God only) - Glory to God alone.
“... seize the moment and exercise your faith. Strengthen yourself by giving glory to God, because Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was enough to remove all charges against his life. Cultivate a style of Thanksgiving, knowing that God is in control of the situation.” (Extracted from the book, Christology at your Reach, 2010).
Jesus Christ is the only way to resolve the different views between christian criticism and humanist criticism.
Jesus said to him, I am the true and living way: no one comes
to the Father but by me.
(John 14:6)
We are the righteousness of God, in Christ.
Manoel Lúcio da Silva Neto is master in Production Engineering (Media and Knowledge), and author of the book Christology at your Reach, 2010.