"The papers [in this collection] span the '60s, reaching in one instance as far back as 1957, with the majority between 1965-69. They address problems of the mission of the Church in a period of accelerating technological change: in relation to controversy and revolutionary action, in the midst of community and national development -- all major questions in the theological agenda of the decade. In each case Illich's answer is against the mainstream. Illich stands apart from the dominant style of social action advocated by the churches: ... by insisting upon a clear distinction between Christian mission and any particular social program -- no matter how close the two may appear to be."
-- from the Introduction
[ author ]
Ivan Illich ( 1926 - 2002 ), called "the greatest social critic of the twentieth century"
by THE UTNE READER, lived an iconoclastic life of teaching and writing. His work includes pointed
critiques of technology, education, economics and medicine.
Here are three excellent introductions to his life and work:
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Only the Church can "reveal" to us the full meaning of development. To live up to this task,
the Church must recognize that she is growing powerless to orient or produce development. The
less efficient she is as a power the more effective she can be as a celebrant of the mystery.
This statement, if understood, is resented equally by the hierarch who wants to justify collections by
increasing his service to the poor, and by the rebel-preist who wants to use his collar as an
attractive banner in agitation. Both make a living off the social service the Church renders and
both in my mind symbolize obstacles to the specific function of the Church, which is the annunciation of the
Gospel.
This specific function of the Church must be a contribution to development which could not be
made by any other institution. I believe that this contribution is fatih in Christ. Applied to
development, faith in Christ means the revelation that the development of humanity tends
toward the realization of the kingdom, which is Christ already present in the Church. The
Church interprets to modern man development as a growth into Christ. She introduces him to the
contemplation of this mystery in prayer and to its celebration in her liturgy.
