Exploring the Religions

of Our World
Chapter 1 Beginning the Journey

Chapter 1 Beginning the Journey

to dispel fears and

Why Study World Religions?

misunderstandings

to gain a clearer
understanding of
ones own faith

to gain insights into

human beings by
understanding their
religious activities

to gain a better
understanding of
various human
cultures

to learn from some

great sources of
wisdom

to gain a better
understanding of
humankinds various
civilizations

to foster openness
and acceptance of
human differences

Chapter 1 Beginning the Journey

Catholic Attitude Towards Other Religions
Catholics reject nothing which is true and
holy in other religions (Nostra Aetate, 2)
Pope John XXIIIs vision was that the
Catholic Church not set itself against the
world, but engage in dialogue with the world

Chapter 1 Beginning the Journey

Catholic Attitude Towards Other Religions (continued)
Those who, through no fault of their own, do not
know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who
nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart may
achieve eternal salvation (CCC, 847)
The Catholic Church has primacy over other
faith traditions because of its apostolic succession
by which it can offer the means of salvation

Chapter 1 Beginning the Journey

Related Documents from the Second Vatican Council
The Declaration on
Human Freedom
(Dignitatis Humanae)

The Decree
on Ecumenism
(Unitates Redintegratio)

The Declaration on the

Relation of the Church to
Non-Christian Religions
(Nostra Aetate)

Chapter 1 Beginning the Journey

Ecumenical Dialogue
1. All Catholics are to evangelize the world
through dialogue with non-Catholics
2. God offers the gift of salvation to all the nations
3. The scriptures of other religions point to a
future of communion with God
4. People from other religious traditions can be
recipients of Gods grace
5. Dialogue can be through words, actions, or both.

Chapter 1 Beginning the Journey

Common Elements or Patterns of Religions
Examples:

sacred stories and

sacred scriptures
_____________________

beliefs and practices

_____________________

sacred time

_____________________

sacred places and

sacred spaces

_____________________

Chapter 1 Beginning the Journey

Vocabulary
Vocabulary
religion
religion
empathy
empathy
liturgy
liturgy
ecumenism
ecumenism
evangelization
evangelization
witnessing
witnessing
myths
myths