"It is necessary to resist any trends regarding religion as a private fact. Only when religion permeates every corner of life, the Christians really become open up to the transforming power of the Gospel". It was the warning expressed by Benedict XVI yesterday; he talked about the risks of secularism and materialism in his speech to the United States bishops. Today, "one may be easily fascinated by the almost unlimited opportunities which science and technique offer us; it is easy to make the mistake of thinking it is possible to satisfy our deepest needs by means of our own efforts", stated the Pope; for this reason, "the people need to be reminded of the ultimate scope of existence" because "with no God, our lives are empty". Therefore, here is "the importance of going on offering people solid faith training". "As heralds of the Gospel and guides of the Catholic community he exhorted the bishops -, you are also asked to participate in exchanging ideas in the public arena, to help shaping adequate cultural attitudes. In a context in which freedom of speech is appreciated, and a robust and honest debate is encouraged, your voice is respected and may pay a remarkable contribution in debating the social and moral issues of current times".
