Interreligious Dialogue

Flashcards reviewing key concepts about interreligious dialogue based on lecture notes.

What is the pluralist mindset?

It acknowledges the existence of various religions and considers all of them to be valid.

What shift is needed in missio ad extra according to the pluralist approach?

A shift from converting non-Christians (missio ad gentes) to living with and among them (missio inter gentes).

What document resulted from the Second Vatican Council that addressed the Church's relationship with other religions?

Nostra Aetate ('Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions')

Which pope introduced the theme of anti-Semitism into the agenda of the Second Vatican Council?

John XXIII

Which pope gave personal backing to the Nostra Aetate declaration and facilitated its passage through the conciliar debates?

Paul VI

What is Interreligious dialogue?

Cooperative and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions.

What are the three conditions for interreligious dialogue?

Dialogue must be based on personal religious experience and firm truth claims. Dialogue must be based on the recognition of the possible truth in all religions. Dialogue must be based on openness to the possibility of genuine change/conversion.

What is the goal of dialogue between religions?

To understand other religions as they understand themselves and to facilitate communication between people of different faith-traditions.

What is dialogue an offering of?

Sharing our experience of reality and the truth of our revelation.

What is the fundamental objective of interreligious dialogue?

Peace

List some guidelines for effective religious dialogue.

Participants cannot use the encounter to defend their own traditions. Participants must reveal the beliefs that they hold closest. Interreligious dialogue is not just intellectual, but an expression of lived faith.

According to Pope Francis, what does true openness in interreligious dialogue involve?

Remaining steadfast in one’s deepest convictions and being clear and joyful in one’s identity.

For Pope Francis, are interreligious dialogue and evangelization mutually exclusive?

No, they are mutually nurturing.

What ability does interreligious dialogue require us to cultivate?

The ability to enter the other’s heart, put ourselves in their shoes, and understand their deepest concerns.

What is the most important purpose and fulfillment of interreligious dialogue, according to Pope Francis?

Interreligious cooperation for peace and in overcoming societal issues.

What is something the CICM has done to contribute to interreligious dialogue?

Worked towards the goals of interreligious dialogue, crossed frontiers to meet the missionary needs of all people, and opened doors for interreligious opportunities.