Un siècle après la mort de Charles de Foucauld : controverses et enjeux

Abstract

Cent ans après sa mort, la figure du « frère Charles » reste controversée, en Algérie mais aussi en France, y compris au sein du catholicisme. La succession des biographies est l’illustration de ces divergences qui posent la délicate question de la mission et de la présence du christianisme dans le monde musulman.

Exploration in Mysticism and Religious Encounter: The Case of Charles de Foucauld (1858–1916)

“…For many, Foucauld gave the French colonial conquest a surplus of humanity, a moral and religious legitimacy which mitigated its violent and dominant features. 10 His discipleship took the form of a religious life in reference, 'to the mystery of Nazareth -the mystery of the Word of God assuming the life of the "little people," who labour in the world and show forth respect, understanding and sensitivity'. 11 Foucauld's, 'eremitic mission of sanctification' did not include the building of hospitals, schools and churches.…”

“…The defence of France's colonial ambitions were incompatible with radical evangelical values. 30 Defeated and colonized Tuaregs found it even more appalling that this self-proclaimed universal brother believed in 'la francisation et la christianisation des populations'. 31 The historian Ladji Ouattara, who wrote his thesis on the Tuaregs, insists that Foucauld's legacy is, 'inseparable from French colonial conquest of the Sahara'.…”