Untitled Flashcards Set

Vatican II

The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), convened by Pope John XXIII, that aimed to modernize the Catholic Church and promote dialogue with the modern world and non-Christian religions.

Nostra Aetate

A declaration from Vatican II focusing on the Catholic Church's relationship with non-Christian religions, emphasizing respect, dialogue, and shared truths.

Comparative Theology

A field of study that engages with other religious traditions to deepen understanding of one's faith while appreciating the beliefs of others.

Exclusivism

The belief that salvation or ultimate truth is accessible only through one specific religion.

Inclusivism

The belief that one’s own religion is the ultimate truth, but other religions may have partial truths or lead to salvation.

Pluralism

The belief that multiple religions can coexist as valid paths to spiritual truth and salvation.

Puja

A Hindu ritual of devotion involving offerings such as flowers, food, or incense to a deity.

Bhakti

A form of devotion or love towards a personal god in Hinduism, characterized by deep emotional connection and surrender.

Dharma

Refers to moral duty, law, or righteousness. In Hinduism, it represents cosmic order and individual life purpose, while in Buddhism, it refers to the teachings of the Buddha.

Karma

The principle of cause and effect, where one's actions influence future experiences, either in this life or future reincarnations.

Samsara

The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism, driven by karma and attachment.

Sindu

An ancient term referring to the Indus River, which is the root of the word 'Hindu', signifying the people living beyond the Indus.

Dharma Sangha

The community of practitioners who follow the teachings of dharma in Buddhism, recognized as one of the Three Jewels.

Who is the Buddha?

Siddhartha Gautama, the historical founder of Buddhism who attained enlightenment and taught the path to liberation from suffering.

What are the Four Sights?

Old age, sickness, death, and a wandering ascetic; encounters that inspired Siddhartha Gautama to seek enlightenment.

Emptiness

A key Buddhist concept referring to the absence of intrinsic or independent existence in all things.

What are the Four Noble Truths?

The Four Noble Truths are: Life is marked by suffering (dukkha); the origin of suffering is craving and attachment; cessation of suffering is possible (nirvana); the path to cessation is the Eightfold Path.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from samsara and the cessation of suffering.

What is the Catholic approach to Method & Vatican II?

An approach that involves inclusivity and dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and respect between the Church and diverse religious traditions.

What is the etymology of the word "religion"?

The term 'religion' comes from the Latin 'religare', meaning 'to bind' or 'reconnect', signifying a connection between humanity and the divine.

What historical moments led to Nostra Aetate?

The Holocaust and World War II highlighted the need for interfaith reconciliation and reexamination of the Church’s stance on non-Christian religions.

What did Danielou and Rahner contribute to Nostra Aetate?

Danielou advocated for interfaith dialogue; Rahner proposed the concept of 'anonymous Christians', suggesting non-Christians could achieve salvation.

How does Nostra Aetate respond to religious diversity?

It emphasizes shared truths, promotes dialogue, and seeks mutual respect while maintaining the Catholic Church's doctrinal integrity.

Is Nostra Aetate inclusivist, exclusivist, or pluralist?

Nostra Aetate is considered inclusivist, recognizing value and truth in other religions but through the lens of Catholicism.

What is our responsibility as theologians when studying other religions?

To approach with respect, open-mindedness, and a commitment to accurate representation.

What are the appreciations of comparative theology?

It promotes interfaith understanding and broadens theological perspectives.

What concerns are associated with comparative theology?

It risks misrepresentation or oversimplification of other religions.

How did Francis X. Clooney define Comparative Theology?

Clooney defined it as 'faith seeking understanding' by deeply engaging with another religious tradition while rooted in one's own faith.

What methods did Tiemeier and Yelokar present?

Tiemeier emphasized empathy and contextual understanding in interfaith studies; Yelokar advocated for integrating historical and cultural contexts.

How does comparative theology celebrate Vatican II?

By fostering deeper understanding of religious diversity and emphasizing interfaith dialogue and respect, building on Vatican II's principles.

How can Hinduism's quote in Nostra Aetate be improved?

It could include diverse practices like bhakti and karma yoga to showcase its rich philosophical traditions.

How can Buddhism's quote in Nostra Aetate be improved?

It could emphasize the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path for greater accuracy.

How does visiting sacred spaces enhance religious diversity studies?

It enriches understanding by highlighting the spiritual significance and rituals of different faiths.

What is the correlation between Sindu and Hindu?

The word 'Hindu' derives from 'Sindu', referring to the Indus River and the people beyond it.

How do Harappan artifacts showcase modern Hindu practice?

Artifacts show early yoga, animal reverence, and fertility worship aligning with contemporary Hindu practices.

What is dharma as described by Bhagavad Gita and Jay Shetty?

Dharma refers to moral duty, with the Gita emphasizing selfless duty and Shetty focusing on aligning strengths with societal needs.

What is Krishna’s relationship to Holi?

Holi celebrates Krishna’s playful nature and divine love, marked by the joyful throwing of colored powders.

What is Vishnu’s relationship to Diwali?

Diwali celebrates Vishnu's incarnation as Rama, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

What is Ganesh’s relationship to Ganesh Chaturthi?

The festival honors Ganesh, involving rituals and symbolic immersion representing the cycle of creation.

What is the relationship between Durga, Lakshmi, and Navatri?

Navatri celebrates Durga's strength and Lakshmi's prosperity, representing feminine divine power.

What is Aravan’s relationship to Koovagam?

Aravan’s sacrifice is honored in Tamil Nadu during festivals promoting inclusivity.

What is Kali’s relationship to Kali Puja?

Kali Puja seeks blessings from Kali for transformation and protection, emphasizing liberation from negativity.