John Paul II was instrumental in shaping the New Evangelization because he not only coined the term but also shaped its vision and mission. He greatly impacted the New Evangelization by calling for a renewed effort to spread the Gospel, especially to those in traditionally Christian regions where faith had diminished. Through his dynamic global outreach, he emphasized the need for new methods, ardor, and expressions of evangelization, encouraging personal witness and engagement with modern culture. 

John Paul II believed that all of the Church’s energies should focus on the New Evangelization as it entered the new millennium. A central aspect of his pontificate was promoting ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, as he sought to unite all Christians under one God for this renewed mission. He recognized that as the Church approached the third millennium, it was not in a state of unity, which he viewed as fundamentally opposed to the teachings and intentions of Jesus Christ. For John Paul II, this division within the Christian faith was not just a theological concern but a profound spiritual crisis that demanded urgent attention. He believed that disunity among Christians undermined the very essence of what Jesus had established during His earthly ministry.

In response to this crisis, John Paul II made an impassioned appeal to all Christians, regardless of their denominational differences, to come together in a spirit of unity. He envisioned a Church united under one God, working collectively towards the mission of the New Evangelization. This call for unity was central to his vision for the future of the Church, as he believed that only through a united effort could the Church effectively spread the message of Christ in the new millennium. John Paul II’s call was not just for cooperation but for a deep and lasting unity that would empower the Church to fulfill its mission in the world.

John Paul II’s writings, particularly the encyclical Redemptoris Missio (1990), provided the theological foundation for the New Evangelization, urging the Church to proclaim Christ’s message with vigor while adapting to contemporary challenges. He emphasized that the crisis in mission is not a crisis of faith itself but rather a challenge in understanding and communicating the content of that faith in ways that resonate with today’s society.

John Paul II stressed the importance of the Church being well-prepared with a clear, renewed expression of its core beliefs, especially in a manner that connects with the modern world. This preparation is essential for the Church to effectively fulfill its evangelizing mission. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive guide—a handbook—on evangelization to address this challenge, ensuring that the Church can engage effectively in its mission and proclaim the Gospel. This handbook would serve as a crucial resource for communicating the fundamental truths of the faith in ways that are both compelling and relevant. John Paul II understood that this resource was essential for the Church to effectively address the complexities of modern life. 

Therefore, we must proclaim the Gospel using a universal language of truth that resonates across different cultures, histories, and faiths. This new expression is embodied in the BFG Handbook, the Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching, which serves as an essential tool for clarifying the Gospel for the modern world. By presenting shared, universal truths, the handbook aims to build bridges between churches and various world religions, fostering meaningful dialogue without focusing on political or religious divisions. The BFG Handbook is not a different gospel, but a presentation of the gospel that is new through its ardor, through its methods, and through its expression. 

The BFG Handbook is central to the Church’s mission, ensuring that the Gospel message is not only preserved but also conveyed with power and clarity in an ever-changing world. Equipped with this guide, the Church can reach out to both believers and non-believers, presenting a message that is timeless yet relevant to today’s challenges.

Without a handbook to guide its proclamation, the Church risks failing to engage effectively in its mission, lacking a clear and cohesive means to present the Gospel. This absence hinders the Church’s ability to convey the core message of the faith, which is crucial for its evangelization efforts. The Gospel must not only be embraced but also communicated in a way that resonates with and inspires others, making a comprehensive guide essential for the Church’s mission. Without it, the foundation of the Church’s outreach is compromised, as it struggles to articulate the faith in a manner that is both meaningful and accessible to the world.

I sense that the moment has come to commit all of the Church’s energies to a new evangelization… No believer in Christ, no institution of the Church can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all peoples. ~ Pope John Paul II

In the aftermath of the Reformation, which divided Christianity 500 years ago, the BFG Handbook seeks to unite us under a single voice, restoring the truth for the New Evangelization. It serves as a vital tool for clarifying the Gospel in our contemporary world, particularly in light of recent global events. By presenting shared universal truths, the Handbook aims to forge new bridges between different churches and faiths, fostering meaningful dialogue that emphasizes common principles over political or religious divisions.

It is essential for the Church to recognize the importance of proclaiming the Gospel through the foundational principles presented in this BFG Handbook. Together, we can share the truth that will set us free.

That they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ~ John 17:21

Cardinal Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) delivered striking words that continue to intrigue scholars. In a powerful passage from 1978, shortly after his election as pope—Karol Wojtyla declared:

“We are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontation humanity has gone through. I do not think that wide circles of the American society or wide circles of the Christian community realize this fully. We are now facing the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-Church, of the Gospel versus the anti-Gospel. This confrontation lies within the plans of divine Providence; it is trial which the whole Church, and the Polish Church in particular, must take up. It is a trial of not only our nation and the Church, but, in a sense, a test of 2,000 years of culture and Christian civilization with all of its consequences for human dignity, individual rights, human rights and the rights of nations.”