Christianity and religious pluralism

Abstract

This dissertation is about the role of Christianity in the context of today's inevitable experience of religious pluralism. It is an evaluation of the relationship between Christianity and the other faiths within this awareness, which makes it impossible for Christianity to exist in isolation. Various theological attempts at formulating an adequate response to the world religions are discussed. Chapter 1 discusses the various Christian approaches to the other religions. Chapter 2 examines the doctrine of Vatican II with particular reference to Nostra aetate, the Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non Christian Religions. The development in the church's teaching on the world religions of the post-conciliar magisterium is also taken note of. Detailed consideration is given to the recent document of the International Theological Commission entitled "Christianity and the Religions." Chapter 3 gives an account of the various attempts proposed by Christian theologians to try and go beyond the Roman Catholic model in their attitude and approach to other religions. Chapter 4 attempts to evaluate the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, which is a pivotal issue in view of a Christian attempt at real dialogue with other religions. A theology of religions is only possible within the framework of the praxis of authentic dialogue within which truth reveals itself not by exclusion or absorption but by its ability to relate to others.