A theological evaluation of “revelation” in
other religions
Ratzinger, Joseph, “The Unity and
Diversity of Religions: The Place of Christianity in the History of Religions,”
in Truth and Tolerance. Christian Belief
and World Religions, San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2004.
Comprehension questions
1.
Why
does Cardinal Ratzinger think that “a phenomenological investigation [of
religions] which would not straightaway concern itself with the value of these
religions for eternity… needs to precede such theological judgments about other
religions” (p. 18)?
Because, phenomenological
investigation ought to seek an overall view of the whole realm of religion, its
inner development and structures, not discuss undefined religion but whether
there is any continuous historical development which could be recognized and
evaluated.
That we ought to ask how this basic
types of religions are related to one another.
2.
Name
two possible attitudes towards other religions in the light of the Christian
conviction that Christ is the only Saviour and salvation of man?
The possible attitudes towards the
other religion are;
a) They are seen as preparatory to Christianity
b) They are also seen as anti-Christianity thus being contrary to the truth
in a decided rejection
3.
What
does the Christian rejection of gods signify? How is it viewed by the
secularised man of today?
·
For Christians rejection of gods signifies
a choice at the side of the rebel who for the sake of his conscience breaks
free from what is accustomed.
·
For the secularized man of today
rejection of gods simply claims there is no true religion.
4.
What
is the concept of religion held by “the man of today”?
The concept of religion held by the
man of today is that of relativism; that there are many religions
5.
What
is the “future for religions” according to the thinking of Radhakrishnan?
In the future there will be a
religion of spirit able to unite fundamental unity with most varied
differentiation.
The Place of Christianity in the History of Religion
6.
What
is the first perception of the man of today when he looks at the plurality of
religions? What is the next impression?
Man of today looks the plurality of
religions as absolutely overwhelming multiplicity and varied.
7.
“This
mystical interpretation of religion forms the background of the idea of
religion of man today.” Elaborate on this statement.
The religion exists as far as is
genuine. That means it should be able to give the mystic a form of inner
experience of the divine which can be experienced anywhere any time.
8.
According
to the mystical interpretation of religion, what is “first hand religion” and
what is “second hand religion”?
First hand religion is a direct form
of mysticism where mystics get the inner experience of the divine and Second hand
religion is indirect form of knowledge only passed on from the mystic as faith.
9.
Name
and explain the stages of development history of religion.
Primitive religion is the stage
leading to mythical religion where by the varied experiences are brought into a
coherent overall view of things
Mythical religion is whereby the
varied experiences of the primitive religion are put in line with the overall
view of things leading to the determination of the present day religion
10.
What
are the three ways of moving beyond the myth of religions?
The three ways of moving beyond
myths of religions are Mysticism, Monotheistic revolution and Enlightenment
Mysticism and belief
11.
What
is the Christian approach to “mysticism” in religions?
Christian approach to mysticism in
religion is that, mystical experience has no sole validity but the absolute
value of the divine is audible only in Christ
12.
Why
is the monotheism of Israel a sort of “revolution” in the history of religion?
Because, it developed by the way of
revolutionary action of a few people who were filled with a new religious
awareness, broke away from myths and overthrew the mythical gods
13.
How
is the monotheism of Israel different from that of Hinduism of ATR?
Monotheism of Israel has its origin
through revolution whereby the mythical gods are done away with while in the
Hinduism is directed towards mysticism and mythical gods are embraced.
14.
How
does monotheism and mysticism differ from each other radically? What is the
core of their difference?
Monotheism and Mysticism differ in
the sense that the mysterious experience of the mystic is the only
determinative and ultimate reality in the realm of religion (the mystic
matters) while in monotheism man is a passive element on whom god acts (god
matters). In mysticism man says to his god “I am Thee”, while in monotheism man
says to his god “I am Thine”
The structure of the two great ways of Religion
15.
What
does Jean Daniélou say about Christianity in contrast to the great non-Christian
religions?
Christianity is essentially faith in
an event while great non-Christian religions are the existence of an eternal
world that is in opposition with the world of time.
16.
Mention
the obvious difference between the patriarchs and prophets of Israel and the
great founders of East Asian religions. What does this say about the structure
of the way of mysticism and belief in one God?
The patriarchs and prophets of
Israel were practically violent and uncouth while the great founders of East
Asian religions were non violent and serene.
This shows mysticism was tranquil
and contemplative and the belief in one God was demanding.
17.
Why does Christianity not recognise the
distinction between “first hand religion” and the “second hand religion” as
viewed by mysticism?
Because it considers God as the
first hand and all men second hand
18.
In
brief, what is the place of Christianity in the history of religions?
Christianity is not a circle of
endless sameness never touching the essential thing. Christianity holds that
the history of religion is a genuine history, a path whose direction is
progress and whose attitude is hope. Therefore the Christian should serve as
someone who hopes and infallibly knows that through failures and human discord,
the end of history is being fulfilled.
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