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Editorial
The Editors

In dealing with the question of catechetics, the present issue of SIDIC takes up the basic problem of transmission of faith. Just as life and society are constantly changing, so there is development in the field of catechetics. Adaptation is needed, and those who are responsible for making the message « resound » (katechein) are searching for new forms and methods. There is growing dissatisfaction with traditional ways of handing on the faith, and the new approach goes beyond a simple adaptation to changed circumstances. It touches deeper levels of the reaching and learning process.
Christians involved in ecumenical activities, especially those involved in Jewish-Christian relations, are particularly concerned about catechetical renewal. They realize that very often the teaching of religion has served to propagate prejudices and erect barriers between different religious groups. The contributions published in this issue show how the situation has evolved: school texts have been revised and a climate of respect and better understanding is being promoted among persons of differing beliefs.
However, it is also evident that much work has still to be done. It is not a question only of social relations but of profound moral and religious convictions, and to change mentalities and deeply-ingrained attitudes is not easy. Respect must be founded on insight and faith. Therefore, in the area of Jewish-Christian relations, the return to the Bible and the rediscovery by Christians of their biblical and Jewish roots are of utmost importance. More and more people are beginning to realize that the rupture between Church and Synagogue, at the end of the first century and the beginning of the second, did much harm to Christianity. Today new bonds are being established between Christians and Jews; open, sincere dialogue is enabling us to see - with full respect for the differences - the unity and continuity of biblical tradition in Judaism and Christianity. We are rediscovering the importance for Christian life and teaching not only of the Hebrew Bible but also of Jewish tradition, both biblical and post-biblical. More than instruction or knowledge, catechesis is concerned with life, with communicating experiences of God described and recalled in Scripture and tradition. It is obvious, then, that catechetics cannot be limited to reaching dogma or even to teaching the New Testament; it must become the means of handing on a biblical way of life. It is here that Jewish tradition can contribute to a more realistic, incarnated understanding of God's Word.
Seen in this way, catechetics can be a positive force in improving the relationship. between Christianity and Judaism by drawing attention to the mysterious presence and action of the Lord in the history of his people and of all mankind. The resulting greater love and reverence for God will necessarily be expressed in better understanding not only between Jews and Christians but among all men.