Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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ACCULTURATION

The process or fact of accommodating religious belief and practice to the dominant culture of a society. It may be either praiseworthy or blameworthy, depending on whether a religion, notably Catholicism, is strengthened or weakened by the adaptation. It is strengthened when Catholic faith and morality become more effective in transforming the culture. It is weakened when Catholic principles are compromised to make them more acceptable to the people.

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