Our Call to Evangelize - Unit 4: Interreligious Dialogue

Interreligious dialogue

The respectful interaction/dialogue between Christians and non-Christians in mutual search for truth.

Importance of Interreligious Dialogue

1) It helps Christians find common ground with other world religions and 2) serves as an opportunity for Christians to live out the universal call to evangelization.

Tips for Evangelization

1) Prayer, 2) Learn the Faith, 3) Ask questions of the other, 4) Practice humility, 5) Find common ground to build on, 6) teach the truth in charity

Religious Syncretism

The attempt to reconcile or blend the beliefs and practices of various religions into one. It is erroneous since different religions contradict one another.

Religion and Culture

The Catholic faith upholds all cultural expressions as long as they do not contradict the Catholic faith.

The existence of multiple religions

Not a sufficient argument against Christianity. It doesn't follow that just b/c there are multiple conflicting views within a discipline, all of them are incorrect.

Catholic Internet Resources

Catechism and Compendium of the Catechism = summaries of the Catholic faith, Sacred Scripture, and Catholic Answers (one of the most well-known and comprehensive Catholic apologetics resources on the internet)

Hinduism (overview)

An ancient religion native to India with no definitive founder. It has no definitive view of God (typically ranges from polytheism to pantheism). Ones actions shape their karma which determines their reincarnation status. The goal is to leave the endless cycle.

Buddhism (overview)

Founded by Siddhartha Gautama around 500 BC in India. It focuses on detachment from desires to reduce suffering and increase one's karma to overcome the endless cycle of reincarnation through nirvana.

Judaism (overview)

The first monotheistic religion founded centuries before Christ which consists of a serious of covenants between God and his chosen people (i.e. Israel). The sacred scripture is the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the moral code is centered on the Mosaic Law and 10 commandments.

Islam (overview)

Founded in 622 AD by Muhammad. It represents an additional post-Christian revelation of God (Allah) through the Quran. It is centered on the five pillars and affirms the existence of an eternal heaven and hell.

Hindu - Catholic common ground

Incorporation of the incarnation of the divine, emphasis on a basic moral code, many feast days, pilgrimages, and religious rituals.

Buddhist - Catholic common ground

The founder of this religion is also widely recognized as being peaceful and wise. Emphasis on moderation in ethics, a rich history of the monastic life, and many have houses of worship/temples

Jewish - Catholic common ground

Monotheism, angels, and the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments, and a communal liturgy (sabbath, Passover and holy days)

Islamic - Catholic common ground

Monotheism, angels, the Quran contains many stories from the bible, holiness of Jesus + Mary, the importance of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and eternal afterlife of heaven or hell.

Catholic evangelization points for Hinduism

The lack of a firm understanding of God leads to religious relativism, Christ is not one of many incarnations, karma = superstitious, Pascal's Wager can be used against the view of reincarnation, the Caste System has historically been used as a tool for social control by religious elites.

Catholic evangelization points for Buddhism

The same responses to counter Hinduism can also be given for this religion except the Caste System which this religion rejected.

Catholic evangelization points for Judaism

Jesus is the fulfillment of the covenants and the divine Son of God. Lack of an official belief on the afterlife as opinions differ.

Hebrew Catholics show that one can retain many Jewish culture/customs while affirming Catholic beliefs.

Catholic evangelization points for Islam

No revelation is to be expected after Jesus, the divine Son of God. Muhammad demonstrated no credible miracles for his new revelations. His violence and promises of earthly reward demonstrated worldly motives. Lack of natural law in morality and unity in teaching.