When I was researching a comment I was preparing on another blog (yes, I sometimes research my comments), I re-read for the first time in, perhaps, 30 years the Vatican II document on the relation of the church to non-Christian faiths, Nostra Aetate. There were a couple of parts that I found particularly interesting:
Likewise, other religions found everywhere try to counter the restlessness of the human heart, each in its own manner, by proposing “ways,” comprising teachings, rules of life, and sacred rites. The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men. Indeed, she proclaims, and ever must proclaim Christ “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), in whom men may find the fullness of religious life, in whom God has reconciled all things to Himself.
The Church, therefore, exhorts her sons, that through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, carried out with prudence and love and in witness to the Christian faith and life, they recognize, preserve and promote the good things, spiritual and moral, as well as the socio-cultural values found among these men.
and
The Church regards with esteem also the Moslems. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all- powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth,(5) who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God. Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They also honor Mary, His virgin Mother; at times they even call on her with devotion. In addition, they await the day of judgment when God will render their deserts to all those who have been raised up from the dead. Finally, they value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.
Since in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Moslems, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve as well as to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom.
This was written more than 40 years ago. It will be interesting to see how Benedict XVI expands on this given the increased relevance in his own backyard.
Hmmm… I actually read this text.
In the same speech, he commended both Jews and a faith whose fundamental tenents include contempt for Jews (also, incidentally, any other “non-believers”).
Does any other person reading it see a minor inconsistency here?
I would far rather have seen a much shorter speech. Something like: “Our Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour is the only and true path to salvation. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and any who do not follow Him are condemned to eternal torment. It is the sacred duty of all his followers to show the Way in all their deeds and words, and to invite all unbelievers to follow Him”.
Not that I necessarily agree with that sentiment, but at least it would have been clear. It appears that the disease of appeasement has spread even to the Pope.
I don’t see inconsistency, Ian. The document celebrates the good and I think that’s appropriate.
As I noted in the post, this document is more than 40 years old and has been the official Catholic doctrine on the subject since then.
That’s refreshing.
Wow, let’s appease the all those of other faiths right into hell. John 14:6, which says, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” is pretty darn clear. The only way to get to heaven is through Jesus. If you believe the basic tenents of Christianity, which are:
(1) We are all sinners. (Romans 3:23)
(2) God loves us. (John 3:16)
(3) God sent His son, Jesus, who was born of the virgin Mary (Matt 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-2:22;John 1:1-18; et. al.
(4) That Jesus lived a sinless life. (Hebrews 9:14)
(5)Jesus, who is God’s son, was sacrificed as payment for all our sins. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again on the third day, and is still living today. (Acts 4:10-12; John 14:6; Romans 1:16; et. al.
(6) Salvation requires that we believe (5), and accept the free gift provided us by God’s grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
You understanding that the only two ways to get into heaven are:
(1) Living a perfect, sinless life.
(2) Accepting the free gift God provided us through Jesus.
Since non of us are perfect, our only choice is God’s grace through Jesus. So, while good works make living with each other easier, they won’t get you into heaven. Everyone has to make their own choice. You can’t get in on someone else’s coattails.
So, essentially, the Vatican II document on the relation of the church to non-Christian faiths, Nostra Aetate, is saying, “Get along with those of another religion, and just let them go to hell. Don’t make waves. Encourage them to do good things and keep the peace, keep the status quo. Hell will hold them when they die, and you will be ushered safely into heaven.”
That just doesn’t seem right.