Exploring the Religions of Our WorldChapter 1 Beginning the Journey

Chapter 1 Beginning the JourneyWhy Study World Religions?

to gain a clearer understanding of ones own faithto foster openness and acceptance of human differencesto gain insights into human beings by understanding their religious activitiesto gain a better understanding of humankinds various civilizationsto gain a better understanding of various human culturesto learn from some great sources of wisdomto dispel fears andmisunderstandings

Chapter 1 Beginning the JourneyCatholic Attitude Towards Other Religions

Catholics reject nothing which is true and holy in other religions (Nostra Aetate, 2)

Pope John XXIIIs vision was that the Catholic Church not set itself against the world, but engage in dialogue with the world

Chapter 1 Beginning the JourneyCatholic Attitude Towards Other Religions (continued)

Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart may achieve eternal salvation (CCC, 847)

The Catholic Church has primacy over other faith traditions because of its apostolic succession by which it can offer the means of salvation

Chapter 1 Beginning the JourneyRelated Documents from the Second Vatican Council

The Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions(Nostra Aetate)The Declaration onHuman Freedom (Dignitatis Humanae)The Decree on Ecumenism (Unitates Redintegratio)

Chapter 1 Beginning the JourneyEcumenical Dialogue1. All Catholics are to evangelize the world through dialogue with non-Catholics2. God offers the gift of salvation to all the nations3. The scriptures of other religions point to a future of communion with God4. People from other religious traditions can be recipients of Gods grace 5. Dialogue can be through words, actions, or both.

Chapter 1 Beginning the JourneyCommon Elements or Patterns of Religionssacred stories and sacred scriptures

beliefs and practices

sacred time

sacred places and sacred spacesExamples:

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Chapter 1 Beginning the JourneyVocabularyreligionempathyliturgyecumenismevangelizationwitnessing myths