Untitled Flashcards Set

1. What is Vatican II?
Vatican II is the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), convened by Pope John XXIII and continued by Pope Paul VI. It sought to modernize the Catholic Church and promote dialogue with the modern world, including non-Christian religions.

2. What is Nostra Aetate?
Nostra Aetate is a declaration from Vatican II that focuses on the relationship between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions, emphasizing respect, dialogue, and shared truths.

3. What is Comparative Theology?
Comparative Theology is a field of study that engages with other religious traditions to deepen understanding of one's faith while appreciating the beliefs of others.

4. What is Exclusivism?
Exclusivism is the belief that salvation or ultimate truth is accessible only through one specific religion.

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

6. What is Pluralism?
Pluralism is the belief that multiple religions can coexist as valid paths to spiritual truth and salvation.

7. What is Puja?
Puja is a Hindu ritual of devotion, worship, or prayer that involves offerings such as flowers, food, or incense to a deity.

8. What is Bhakti?
Bhakti is a form of devotion or love towards a personal god in Hinduism, characterized by deep emotional connection and surrender.

9. What is Dharma?
Dharma refers to moral duty, law, or righteousness. In Hinduism, it represents the cosmic order and individual life purpose. In Buddhism, it refers to the teachings of the Buddha.

10. What is Karma?
Karma is the principle of cause and effect, where one's actions influence future experiences, either in this life or future incarnations.

11. What is Samsara?
Samsara is the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism, driven by karma and attachment.

12. What is Sindu?
Sindu is an ancient term that refers to the Indus River. It is the root of the word "Hindu," signifying the people living beyond the Indus.

13. What is Dharma Sangha?
Dharma Sangha refers to the community of practitioners who follow the teachings of dharma in Buddhism, forming one of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha).

14. Who is the Buddha?
Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, is the historical founder of Buddhism who attained enlightenment and taught the path to liberation from suffering.

15. What are the Four Sights?
The Four Sights are old age, sickness, death, and a wandering ascetic. Siddhartha Gautama encountered these and was inspired to seek enlightenment.

16. What is Emptiness?
Emptiness, a key concept in Buddhism, refers to the absence of intrinsic or independent existence in all things, as described in the Heart Sutra.

17. What are the Four Noble Truths?

1. Life is marked by suffering (dukkha).

2. The origin of suffering is craving and attachment.

3. Cessation of suffering is possible (nirvana).

4. The path to cessation is the Eightfold Path.

18. What is Nirvana?
Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from the cycle of samsara and the cessation of suffering.

19. What is the Catholic approach to Method & Vatican II?
The Catholic approach involves inclusivity and dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and respect between the Church and diverse religious traditions.

20. What is the etymology of the word "religion"?
The term "religion" comes from the Latin religare, meaning "to bind" or "reconnect," often implying a connection between humanity and the divine.

21. What historical moments led to the writing of Nostra Aetate?
The Holocaust and World War II highlighted the need for interfaith reconciliation and a reexamination of the Church’s stance on non-Christian religions.

22. What did Danielou and Rahner contribute to Nostra Aetate?

• Danielou: Advocated for interfaith dialogue, recognizing the value of non-Christian religions.

• Rahner: Proposed the concept of "anonymous Christians," suggesting non-Christians could achieve salvation implicitly.

23. How does Nostra Aetate respond to religious diversity?
Nostra Aetate emphasizes shared truths, promotes dialogue, and seeks mutual respect while maintaining the Catholic Church's doctrinal integrity.

24. Is Nostra Aetate inclusivist, exclusivist, or pluralist?
Inclusivist. It acknowledges the value and truth in other religions but views them through the lens of Catholicism as the ultimate path.

25. What is our responsibility as theologians when studying other religions?
Theologians must approach with respect, open-mindedness, and a commitment to accurate representation.

26. What are the appreciations and concerns of comparative theology?

• Appreciations: Promotes interfaith understanding and broadens theological perspectives.

• Concerns: Risks misrepresentation or oversimplification of other religions.

27. 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.

28. What methods and findings did Tiemeier and Yelokar present?

• Tiemeier: Emphasized empathy and contextual understanding in interfaith studies.

• Yelokar: Advocated for integrating historical and cultural contexts into theological analysis.

Essay Questions

29. How is comparative theology an extension and celebration of Nostra Aetate?
Comparative theology builds upon Nostra Aetate by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of religious diversity. It emphasizes interfaith dialogue, respect, and mutual learning.

30. What are the appreciations and concerns of comparative theology in addressing religious diversity and faith commitment?
Appreciations: Interfaith respect and enriched understanding.
Concerns: Misrepresentation or dilution of personal faith.

31. How can the Hinduism quote in Nostra Aetate be improved?
Include diverse practices like bhakti and karma yoga to show Hinduism’s rich philosophical and devotional traditions.

32. How can the Buddhism quote in Nostra Aetate be improved?
Emphasize the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the communal role of the Sangha for accuracy.

33. How does visiting sacred spaces enrich religious diversity studies?
Experiences like attending a BAPS Temple highlight the richness of rituals and their parallels with Catholic worship.

34. Comparative Theology Exercise: Hinduism and Catholicism?
Topic: Rituals (Puja vs. Eucharistic Mass).
Both emphasize devotion and community but differ in theological aims.

35. Comparative Theology Exercise: Buddhism and Catholicism?
Topic: Meditation (Mindfulness vs. Contemplative Prayer).
Both aim for spiritual transformation but differ in ultimate goals.

B, E, and F Block Questions

36. What is the correlation between Sindu and Hindu?
The word "Hindu" derives from "Sindu," the Indus River, referring to the people beyond the river.

37. How do Harappan artifacts showcase modern Hindu belief and practice?
Artifacts like seals depict yoga, animal reverence, and fertility worship, aligning with Hindu traditions.

38. What is dharma? How do the Bhagavad Gita and Jay Shetty explain it?
Dharma: Moral duty and purpose.

• Bhagavad Gita: Fulfill your duty selflessly.

• Jay Shetty: Align your strengths with societal needs.

39. What is Krishna’s relationship to Holi?
Holi celebrates Krishna’s playful nature and divine love through colors.

40. What is Vishnu’s relationship to Diwali?
Diwali honors Vishnu’s incarnation as Rama, symbolizing light over darkness.

41. What is Ganesh’s relationship to Ganesh Chaturthi?
The festival venerates Ganesh with rituals and symbolic immersion in water.

42. What is the relationship between Durga, Lakshmi, and Navatri?
Durga symbolizes strength, Lakshmi prosperity, celebrated during Navatri.

43. What is Aravan’s relationship to Koovagam?
Aravan’s sacrifice is honored in Tamil Nadu, fostering inclusivity.

44. What is Kali’s relationship to Kali Puja?
Kali Puja seeks Kali’s blessings for transformation and protection.

Total: 44 Questions and Answers

4o

You said:

no like use the answers from above. dont like simplify it. keep it how it was above

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

Here is the fully detailed list of 44 questions and answers, retaining the detailed format from above:

Terms and Concepts

1. What is Vatican II?
Vatican II is the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), which was convened by Pope John XXIII and continued by Pope Paul VI. It sought to modernize the Catholic Church and promote dialogue with the modern world, including non-Christian religions.

2. What is Nostra Aetate?
Nostra Aetate is a declaration from Vatican II that focuses on the relationship between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions, emphasizing respect, dialogue, and shared truths.

3. What is Comparative Theology?
Comparative Theology is a field of study that engages with other religious traditions to deepen understanding of one's faith while appreciating the beliefs of others.

4. What is Exclusivism?
Exclusivism is the belief that salvation or ultimate truth is accessible only through one specific religion.

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

6. What is Pluralism?
Pluralism is the belief that multiple religions can coexist as valid paths to spiritual truth and salvation.

7. What is Puja?
Puja is a Hindu ritual of devotion, worship, or prayer that involves offerings such as flowers, food, or incense to a deity.

8. What is Bhakti?
Bhakti is a form of devotion or love towards a personal god in Hinduism, characterized by deep emotional connection and surrender.

9. What is Dharma?
Dharma refers to moral duty, law, or righteousness. In Hinduism, it represents the cosmic order and individual life purpose, as explained in the Bhagavad Gita. In Buddhism, it refers to the teachings of the Buddha.

10. What is Karma?
Karma is the principle of cause and effect, where one's actions influence future experiences, either in this life or future incarnations.

11. What is Samsara?
Samsara is the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism, driven by karma and attachment.

12. What is Sindu?
Sindu is an ancient term that refers to the Indus River. It is the root of the word "Hindu," signifying the people living beyond the Indus.

13. What is Dharma Sangha?
Dharma Sangha refers to the community of practitioners who follow the teachings of dharma in Buddhism, forming one of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha).

14. Who is the Buddha?
Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, is the historical founder of Buddhism who attained enlightenment and taught the path to liberation from suffering.

15. What are the Four Sights?
The Four Sights are old age, sickness, death, and a wandering ascetic. Siddhartha Gautama encountered these and was inspired to seek enlightenment.

16. What is Emptiness?
Emptiness, a key concept in Buddhism, refers to the absence of intrinsic or independent existence in all things, as described in the Heart Sutra.

17. What are the Four Noble Truths?

1. Life is marked by suffering (dukkha).

2. The origin of suffering is craving and attachment.

3. Cessation of suffering is possible (nirvana).

4. The path to cessation is the Eightfold Path.

18. What is Nirvana?
Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from the cycle of samsara and the cessation of suffering.

19. What is the Catholic approach to Method & Vatican II?
The Catholic approach involves inclusivity and dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and respect between the Church and diverse religious traditions.

20. What is the etymology of the word "religion"?
The term "religion" comes from the Latin religare, meaning "to bind" or "reconnect," often implying a connection between humanity and the divine.

21. What historical moments led to the writing of Nostra Aetate?
The Holocaust and World War II highlighted the need for interfaith reconciliation and a reexamination of the Church’s stance on non-Christian religions.

22. What did Danielou and Rahner contribute to Nostra Aetate?

• Danielou: Advocated for interfaith dialogue, recognizing the value of non-Christian religions.

• Rahner: Proposed the concept of "anonymous Christians," suggesting non-Christians could achieve salvation implicitly.

23. How does Nostra Aetate respond to religious diversity?
Nostra Aetate emphasizes shared truths, promotes dialogue, and seeks mutual respect while maintaining the Catholic Church's doctrinal integrity.

24. Is Nostra Aetate inclusivist, exclusivist, or pluralist?
Inclusivist. It acknowledges the value and truth in other religions but views them through the lens of Catholicism as the ultimate path.

25. What is our responsibility as theologians when studying other religions?
Theologians must approach with respect, open-mindedness, and a commitment to accurate representation.

26. What are the appreciations and concerns of comparative theology?
Appreciations: Comparative theology fosters interfaith understanding, mutual respect, and an appreciation for the shared values across religious traditions. It allows theologians to deepen their own faith while appreciating the profound insights of others.
Concerns: A major challenge is the risk of misinterpreting or oversimplifying religious beliefs, which could lead to cultural or theological misunderstandings. Additionally, some may feel that engaging too deeply with other faiths could dilute or challenge their personal commitment to their own religion.

27. 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.

28. What methods and findings did Tiemeier and Yelokar present?

• Tiemeier: Emphasized empathy and contextual understanding in interfaith studies.

• Yelokar: Advocated for integrating historical and cultural contexts into theological analysis.

I'll continue with the Essay Questions and Block Questions below due to space constraints!

Essay Questions

29. How is comparative theology an extension and celebration of Nostra Aetate?
Comparative theology builds upon the principles laid out in Nostra Aetate by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of religious diversity. While Nostra Aetate emphasized respect for other religions and recognized shared truths, comparative theology takes this a step further by actively engaging with the beliefs, practices, and texts of other traditions. It celebrates the spirit of Nostra Aetate by encouraging theologians to deepen their own faith through the lens of interreligious dialogue. For example, studying Hindu concepts like bhakti (devotion) alongside Catholic devotion enriches the understanding of universal expressions of love for the divine.

30. What are the appreciations and concerns of comparative theology in addressing religious diversity and faith commitment?
Appreciations: Comparative theology fosters interfaith understanding, mutual respect, and an appreciation for the shared values across religious traditions. It allows theologians to deepen their own faith while appreciating the profound insights of others.
Concerns: A major challenge is the risk of misinterpreting or oversimplifying religious beliefs, which could lead to cultural or theological misunderstandings. Additionally, some may feel that engaging too deeply with other faiths could dilute or challenge their personal commitment to their own religion.

31. How can the Hinduism quote in Nostra Aetate be improved?
This quote could be refined to acknowledge the diversity and complexity within Hindu traditions, such as emphasizing the role of bhakti (devotional worship) and karma yoga (selfless action) in achieving liberation. A revised version might read: "Hinduism embraces the divine mystery through rich mythology, deep philosophical inquiry, and diverse practices such as bhakti, meditation, and selfless service, all aimed at transcending human suffering and uniting with the divine."

32. How can the Buddhism quote in Nostra Aetate be improved?
This statement could be enhanced by emphasizing the centrality of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path in Buddhist practice. Additionally, it could acknowledge the communal aspects of the Sangha. A revised version might read: "Buddhism, in its diverse forms, recognizes the impermanence of the world and offers a path to liberation through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, emphasizing mindfulness, ethical living, and communal support."

33. How does visiting sacred spaces enrich religious diversity studies?
Visiting the BAPS Hindu Temple allowed me to witness the richness of Hindu rituals and architecture, deepening my appreciation for puja and the communal aspects of worship. Observing these practices firsthand highlighted parallels with Catholic liturgical celebrations, such as the shared focus on devotion, symbolism, and community. This experience emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in breaking down stereotypes and fostering mutual respect.

34. Comparative Theology Exercise: How can you, as a theologian and scholar, compare one aspect of Hinduism and Catholicism?
Topic: Rituals (Puja in Hinduism and the Eucharistic Mass in Catholicism).

• Hindu Perspective: Puja involves offerings to deities, invoking their blessings through devotion and prayer.

• Catholic Perspective: The Eucharistic Mass celebrates the sacrifice of Jesus, uniting the community in faith and grace.
  Findings: Both rituals emphasize devotion, community, and a connection to the divine, though the theological frameworks differ. Studying these rituals reveals a shared human desire for spiritual communion.

35. Comparative Theology Exercise: How can you, as a theologian and scholar, compare one aspect of Buddhism and Catholicism?
Topic: Meditation (Buddhist mindfulness vs. Catholic contemplative prayer).

• Buddhist Perspective: Meditation fosters mindfulness and insight into the nature of reality, leading to enlightenment.

• Catholic Perspective: Contemplative prayer focuses on silent communion with God, deepening the personal relationship with the divine.
  Findings: Both practices aim to transcend the mundane and cultivate inner peace, though they differ in their ultimate spiritual goals and theological underpinnings. This comparison highlights the universality of seeking inner stillness in diverse traditions.

Block Questions

36. What is the correlation between Sindu and Hindu?
The word "Hindu" originates from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, which refers to the Indus River. It was used by ancient Persians to describe the people living beyond the Indus. Over time, the term evolved to denote the religious and cultural practices of the people in the Indian subcontinent.

37. How do Harappan artifacts showcase modern Hindu belief and practice?
Harappan artifacts, such as seals depicting yogic postures, animal motifs, and fertility symbols, reflect elements of Hinduism seen today. These artifacts suggest early forms of yoga, reverence for animals (e.g., the bull as a precursor to Nandi, Shiva's vehicle), and fertility worship, which align with Hindu practices like meditation and reverence for nature.

38. What is dharma? How have the Bhagavad Gita and Jay Shetty explained this concept of dharma further?

• Dharma: In Hinduism, dharma refers to moral duty, righteousness, and living in harmony with cosmic order. It guides individuals based on their role in society and their personal nature.

• Bhagavad Gita: The Gita explains dharma as fulfilling one’s duty without attachment to outcomes, emphasizing selflessness and devotion to the divine. Arjuna is guided to follow his warrior dharma to uphold justice.

• Jay Shetty: In his modern interpretation, Shetty describes dharma as aligning one’s purpose with personal strengths and societal needs, offering practical advice on living a life of balance and fulfillment.

39. What is Krishna’s relationship to Holi?
Holi celebrates Krishna’s playful nature, particularly his love for Radha and the gopis (cowherd girls). The festival commemorates Krishna's pranks of playfully throwing colored powders, symbolizing the joy of divine love and the victory of good over evil.

40. What is Vishnu’s relationship to Diwali?
Diwali is associated with Vishnu's incarnation as Rama in the Ramayana. It marks the return of Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. The festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, often with lamps and prayers to Vishnu for prosperity and protection.

41. What is Ganesh’s relationship to Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival honoring Ganesh, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and beginnings. Devotees create clay idols of Ganesh, perform rituals, and immerse the idols in water to signify the cycle of creation and dissolution.

42. What is the relationship between Durga, Lakshmi, and Navatri?
Navatri is a nine-night festival dedicated to the feminine divine.

• Durga: Worshiped as a symbol of strength and protection, especially for her victory over the demon Mahishasura.

• Lakshmi: Honored for wealth and prosperity during specific days of Navatri.

• Navatri: A time of fasting, prayers, and cultural celebrations reflecting devotion to feminine energy.

43. What is Aravan’s relationship to Koovagam?
Aravan is a deity worshipped in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the transgender community. The Koovagam festival celebrates his mythological sacrifice for victory in the Mahabharata. It includes rituals symbolizing Aravan’s marriage and subsequent self-offering, fostering inclusivity and community.

44. What is Kali’s relationship to Kali Puja?
Kali Puja venerates the goddess Kali, who embodies destruction of evil and feminine power. Devotees offer prayers, light lamps, and perform rituals to seek her protection and blessings. The worship of Kali emphasizes courage, transformation, and liberation from negative forces.