Chrsitian Communties On Interfaith Dialogue

Question 1

Catholic Church: Redemptoris Mission

Answer 1

Papal encyclical from 1990 written by Pope John Paul II, focused on missionary work of church in multi faith world. They believe Catholics have a mission to non Catholics.

Question 2

Redemptoris missio principles

Answer 2

Indialogue with our brothers and sisters of other religions” his key point are:

1 - interfaith dialogue is an opportunity to give full account of Christian belief

2 - all religions hold aspects of the truth and are led by the Holy Spirit, so dialogue needs to be respectful

3 - mission is for all members of the church, not just priests.

Question 3

Church of England; Sharing the gospel of salvation

Answer 3

This document for 2010 acknowledges that modern Britain is a multi-faith society which everyone shares. The document affirms that salvation has been achieved through the Christ and Christians must proclaim this.

Question 4

Church of England principles?

Answer 4

1 - live a good Christian lifestyle as distinct and authentic Christians

2 - work for the common good of society

3 - be sensitive to those around them - do not try to “make a sale”

Question 5

Four aspects of Interfaith dialogue?

Answer 5

1 - daily life, where you meet people in your life and talk about beliefs

2 - common good, whee you work with those of other faiths to benefit

3 - mutual understanding, where you get together for formal discussions

4 - Spiritual life, where you pray and worship together

Question 6

The scriptural reasoning movement

Answer 6

In mid 1990s, some Christians from
The UK approached the “textual reasoning movement” - a forum for Jewish Scholars in the USA to discuss scripture, and asked if they could join in order to develop their understanding of Jewish scriptures.

Focus what not on trying to covert but to help those from different faith background understand where and why they disagree about different truth claims

Question 7

Aims of scriptural reasoning movement?

Answer 7

1 - wisdom, everyone is United in their desire for wisdom coming out of discussion

2 - Collegiality, everyone is an equal participants

3 - Hospitality, it is non-judgmental

Question 8

Criticisms of scriptural reasoning?

Answer 8

1 - will not work for people from certain traditions within faiths, such as exclusivists

2 - There is no point if there is no official teaching of the religion. If everything is relativised, people might leave with an incorrect view of another faith.

3 - it relativises religious beliefs Becuase the methods require that all points are treated as equally important.