Catholic Position

Other World Religions

Overview

In regards to other world religions, the Catholic Church's message is one of respect and tolerance. Although the Church teaches that Catholicism is the one true religion, it recognizes elements of truth in other religions and promotes respect for these religions. The Church teaches that, since the goal of any relgion is enlightenmenbt, non-Christian religions are to be recognized as a respectable position.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses the issue of respect for the human person. Since all humans are made in the image of God, they all deserve proper respect regardless of any differences between them, including religious differences. Although other world religions vary radically with Catholicism, the Catholic Church teaches that Catholics are still obligated to show respect. Reference number 1935 states that, "Every form of social or cultural discrimination...on the grounds of sex, race, color, language, or religion must be curbed and eradicated as incompatible with God's design."

Pope Paul VI Encyclical: Nostra Aetate

In this encyclical, Pope Paul VI says that it is the duty of the Catholic Church to promote unity and love among all, regardless of religious affiliation. He also points out that there are elements of truth (that is, the Catholic view of religious truth) in other religions, and that the Catholic Church supports these elements. Pope Paul VI states that Islam and Judaism share a special bond with Christianity since all three religions trace their roots back to Abraham. Pope Paul VI cites Jesus' Passion as a unifying event, since Jesus died freely to grant salvation to all people, not just those who believed in him. Also, since the Catholic Church often refers to God as the Father of all, the Church also recognizes the unity of all people, regardless of religious beliefs.

Dominus Iesus

In this declaration, the Magisterium clarifies several points of Vatican II. In regards to non-Christian religions, it states, much like Nostra Aetate, that the Church recognizes various truths in these other religions and respects other religions' efforts to enlighten their followers. In order to promote harmony between other religions, the Catholic Church stresses that inter-religious dialogue and the development of mutual knowledge are incredibly important. This declaration also says that Christ and the salvation He grants to us is given freely to all men, as all people are called to follow Him.

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