Chapter 1

World Religions and Religious Pluralism

Religious Pluralism in Canada• The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees “freedom of

conscience and religion.”• At Confederation in 1867, Canada had a population of around 3 million people,

mostly Aboriginal, French, and English.• Today, the population is about 34 million people of tremendous diversity.• Canadians speak many languages, practice many religions, and come from many

cultures and ethnic groups.• All ethnicities, cultures, languages, and religions contribute to the fabric of

Canada and its identity.• By law, all Canadians should participate equally in every aspect of Canadian life

while preserving their cultural heritage.• Key factors that led to Canada’s diversity are:

– Immigration– Canada’s policy of multiculturalism

Canada’s Policy of Multiculturalism:Canada’s Policy of Multiculturalism: The The Canadian Charter of Rights and FreedomsCanadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees guarantees

– freedom of consciencefreedom of conscience– freedom of religionfreedom of religion

The The Multicultural ActMulticultural Act of 1988 broadens these rights for all of 1988 broadens these rights for all Canadians regardless of their religion, culture, language or ethnic Canadians regardless of their religion, culture, language or ethnic group.group.

History of Religious PluralismHistory of Religious Pluralism

Canada has mostly been a Christian country.Canada has mostly been a Christian country. When the first explorers brought their Christian faith to Canada, When the first explorers brought their Christian faith to Canada,

it became the faith for most Aboriginal peoples.it became the faith for most Aboriginal peoples. As immigration increased, so did religious pluralism.As immigration increased, so did religious pluralism. Canadians today practise many faiths including Sikhism, Islam, Canadians today practise many faiths including Sikhism, Islam,

Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Jainism, Baha’i, and Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Jainism, Baha’i, and Confucianism.Confucianism.

Canada’s diversity of faith and culture will continue to grow in Canada’s diversity of faith and culture will continue to grow in years to come.years to come.

Some Ground Rules for Living TogetherSome Ground Rules for Living Together

1. Respect the faith and religion of others1. Respect the faith and religion of others– To respect a person means to respect who they are.To respect a person means to respect who they are.– Our faith is a large part of our identity and needs to be Our faith is a large part of our identity and needs to be

respected.respected.

2. There is no neutral stance2. There is no neutral stance– Each person has a set of beliefs by which he or she lives his or Each person has a set of beliefs by which he or she lives his or

her life, and that influences encounters with other belief systems.her life, and that influences encounters with other belief systems.– To enter into dialogue with people of other faiths, Catholics need To enter into dialogue with people of other faiths, Catholics need

to be firmly grounded in their own faith.to be firmly grounded in their own faith.

3. The truth of other religions3. The truth of other religions– Those who follow a particular religion believe the teachings of Those who follow a particular religion believe the teachings of

their faith to be true. their faith to be true. – Despite the differences in our beliefs, it is important to Despite the differences in our beliefs, it is important to

appreciate and respect what others hold to be true.appreciate and respect what others hold to be true.

4. Accept the importance of religion4. Accept the importance of religion– Religion, even with its different forms, is important for human Religion, even with its different forms, is important for human

beings and their happiness.beings and their happiness.– Religious difference is a sign of human diversity.Religious difference is a sign of human diversity.– Christianity celebrates this diversity while recognizing our Christianity celebrates this diversity while recognizing our

oneness as children of Godoneness as children of God..

The Goals of DialogueThe Goals of Dialogue

ToleranceTolerance– To be tolerant means to respect the rights and differences of To be tolerant means to respect the rights and differences of

others, but not to be afraid to speak out when the beliefs of others, but not to be afraid to speak out when the beliefs of another bring about injustice. another bring about injustice.

InteractionInteraction– Religions must dialogue with each other, not just live Religions must dialogue with each other, not just live

peacefully alongside each other.peacefully alongside each other.

Christianity and Christianity and EvangelizationEvangelization

Why evangelize? Why evangelize? – because through Jesus we come to know God as because through Jesus we come to know God as

healer, lover of the poor, and redeemer healer, lover of the poor, and redeemer – because of Jesus’ resurrection, we see Jesus as because of Jesus’ resurrection, we see Jesus as

the Word of God incarnatethe Word of God incarnate– through the stories of Jesus, we talk to others through the stories of Jesus, we talk to others

about Godabout God

Early Evangelization: The Great CommissionEarly Evangelization: The Great Commission Before his death, Jesus commissioned the disciples Before his death, Jesus commissioned the disciples

to go out and continue to spread the message of to go out and continue to spread the message of God’s love to all people.God’s love to all people.

The disciples first went to fellow Jews but soon The disciples first went to fellow Jews but soon began to spread the message to anyone who would began to spread the message to anyone who would listen.listen.

The message of Jesus was not always accepted, but The message of Jesus was not always accepted, but even at risk of their own lives, the disciples even at risk of their own lives, the disciples continued their mission, attracting followerscontinued their mission, attracting followers– by their exampleby their example– by the image of God they presentedby the image of God they presented– by the love they had for one another and the by the love they had for one another and the

experience of how love broke down barriers experience of how love broke down barriers between peoplebetween people

Unfortunately, the relationship between Christians Unfortunately, the relationship between Christians and Jews could not be maintained and they and Jews could not be maintained and they eventually parted ways. Christianity grew from a eventually parted ways. Christianity grew from a movement within Judaism to a religion.movement within Judaism to a religion.

Christianity and the Roman EmpireChristianity and the Roman Empire

In the 2In the 2ndnd century, Christianity made inroads into the Roman Empire, century, Christianity made inroads into the Roman Empire, healing the sick and forming powerful communities of faith.healing the sick and forming powerful communities of faith.– but they were still a minority—outsidersbut they were still a minority—outsiders

By the 3By the 3rdrd century, great philosophical scholars began to also teach century, great philosophical scholars began to also teach the Christian message, and Christians became the “cultured people” the Christian message, and Christians became the “cultured people” and a driving force in Roman society.and a driving force in Roman society.

In the 4In the 4thth century, Christianity became the sole legal religion of the century, Christianity became the sole legal religion of the Roman Empire.Roman Empire.

A Mission to the WorldA Mission to the World With the fall of the Roman Empire, the Church took on a new, With the fall of the Roman Empire, the Church took on a new,

important role in society.important role in society.– In the West, Bishops became civic leaders, judges and rulers.In the West, Bishops became civic leaders, judges and rulers.– In the East, the Roman Empire was replaced by the Byzantine In the East, the Roman Empire was replaced by the Byzantine

Empire, and the Church was allied to the power of the courts. Empire, and the Church was allied to the power of the courts. The focus shifted to a concern for the internal structure and The focus shifted to a concern for the internal structure and

dynamics of the Church, and gave rise to a new belief:dynamics of the Church, and gave rise to a new belief:– Only those who gathered together to share God’s love within the Only those who gathered together to share God’s love within the

sacred space of the Church could share in God’s love and sacred space of the Church could share in God’s love and salvation.salvation.

The Middle AgesThe Middle Ages

• Between 600 and 1500, Christianity became the dominant Between 600 and 1500, Christianity became the dominant religion of Europe.religion of Europe.

• It spread north and east into the Scandinavian countries, and far It spread north and east into the Scandinavian countries, and far into Russia.into Russia.

• Most evangelization was the work of monks who set up Most evangelization was the work of monks who set up monasteries across Europe.monasteries across Europe.

• The Church opened universities, monasteries, and cathedrals, and The Church opened universities, monasteries, and cathedrals, and became a strong political force in society.became a strong political force in society.

• The belief that to be saved, one had to recognize Jesus as God’s The belief that to be saved, one had to recognize Jesus as God’s Messiah led Church leaders to pressure—and sometimes force—Messiah led Church leaders to pressure—and sometimes force—non-believers to convert.non-believers to convert.

Relations with Other Religions: Catholics, Jews, and Relations with Other Religions: Catholics, Jews, and MuslimsMuslims

• After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman Empire, Jews became a minority After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman Empire, Jews became a minority living throughout Europe and were often forced to live in ghettos and wear living throughout Europe and were often forced to live in ghettos and wear distinctive clothing.distinctive clothing.

• During the Middle ages, relationships between Christians and Jews and between During the Middle ages, relationships between Christians and Jews and between Christians and Muslims were strained by conflict as Christians began a political Christians and Muslims were strained by conflict as Christians began a political movement called the Crusades to regain the Holy Land.movement called the Crusades to regain the Holy Land.

• Jewish towns along the Danube and Rhine rivers were attacked by Christian Jewish towns along the Danube and Rhine rivers were attacked by Christian soldiers.soldiers.

• In the 8In the 8thth century, Muslims conquered Christian strongholds in Africa and Spain. century, Muslims conquered Christian strongholds in Africa and Spain. • Then they began attacks on Christian Europe from Spain and Turkey, but were Then they began attacks on Christian Europe from Spain and Turkey, but were

stopped.stopped.• In 1095, the pope began a series of successful crusades to regain the Holy Land In 1095, the pope began a series of successful crusades to regain the Holy Land

and protect Byzantine Christians in Constantinople. and protect Byzantine Christians in Constantinople. • In 1291, Muslims recaptured the Holy Land and went on to conquer Constantinople In 1291, Muslims recaptured the Holy Land and went on to conquer Constantinople

in 1453. in 1453. • Muslim advances were finally stopped in 1683.Muslim advances were finally stopped in 1683.• Christian writers including Raymond Lull, St. Francis of Assisi, and William Tripoli Christian writers including Raymond Lull, St. Francis of Assisi, and William Tripoli

attempted to engage Muslims in dialogue.attempted to engage Muslims in dialogue.• In Spain, Catholic King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella recaptured their territory from In Spain, Catholic King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella recaptured their territory from

the Muslim armies and expelled all Muslims and Jews from Spain.the Muslim armies and expelled all Muslims and Jews from Spain.

Modern Times: 1500–Modern Times: 1500–19501950

The Protestant ReformationThe Protestant Reformation• Around 1500, some groups within Around 1500, some groups within

Christianity called for major changes or Christianity called for major changes or reforms to the Christian Church. reforms to the Christian Church.

• They broke away from the Church to create They broke away from the Church to create Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, and Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, and Anabaptist communities.Anabaptist communities.

• Princes and kings felt forced to choose sides.Princes and kings felt forced to choose sides.• Wars erupted between Catholics and Wars erupted between Catholics and

Protestants.Protestants.

Colonization and the Spread of ChristianityColonization and the Spread of Christianity• In 1492, Christopher Columbus “discovered” In 1492, Christopher Columbus “discovered”

America, and Europeans became aware of America, and Europeans became aware of people who had never heard of Christ.people who had never heard of Christ.

• At that time, Christians believed that other At that time, Christians believed that other religions were “false” and people belonging religions were “false” and people belonging to them needed to be converted in order to to them needed to be converted in order to share in God’s saving love. share in God’s saving love.

• Missionaries felt duty-bound to follow the Missionaries felt duty-bound to follow the explorers to America to spread the gospel explorers to America to spread the gospel and baptize the inhabitants into Christianity.and baptize the inhabitants into Christianity.

The Age of Dialogue: 1950–PresentThe Age of Dialogue: 1950–Present

The Protestant ReformationThe Protestant Reformation• By the middle of the 20By the middle of the 20thth century, missionary approaches started to century, missionary approaches started to

change.change.• The Church no longer wanted to be identified with the colonial practices The Church no longer wanted to be identified with the colonial practices

of Europe.of Europe.• Dialogue replaced condemnation.Dialogue replaced condemnation.• The Catholic Church changed the approach to other religions:The Catholic Church changed the approach to other religions:

1)1) realization that there were good, worthy elements in other religionsrealization that there were good, worthy elements in other religions

2)2) renewed emphasis on bringing the message by focusing on the well-renewed emphasis on bringing the message by focusing on the well-being of other peoples and providing socio-economic development in being of other peoples and providing socio-economic development in areas of education, medicine, and social aidareas of education, medicine, and social aid

3)3) salvation was understood as being for this world as well as the next salvation was understood as being for this world as well as the next worldworld

4)4) the focus was not only on the individual, but also on the community the focus was not only on the individual, but also on the community and societyand society

• Between 1962 and 1965, the Second Vatican Council became more Between 1962 and 1965, the Second Vatican Council became more publicly and officially involved, with documents emerging from the publicly and officially involved, with documents emerging from the council dramatically changing the Church’s relationship with other council dramatically changing the Church’s relationship with other religionsreligions

Catholics and Other Religions in the Twentieth Catholics and Other Religions in the Twentieth and Early Twenty-First Centuriesand Early Twenty-First Centuries

• In the 20In the 20thth century, technological advances century, technological advances contributed to the development of globalization and contributed to the development of globalization and an awareness of all human beings as members of an awareness of all human beings as members of one human race.one human race.

• Religions had more and more contact with each Religions had more and more contact with each other.other.

• They realized they needed to understand their They realized they needed to understand their differences so they might work together to make the differences so they might work together to make the world more livable.world more livable.

• This began the long and difficult process of This began the long and difficult process of removing prejudices, distrust, and historical removing prejudices, distrust, and historical memories that contributed to conflicts in the past.memories that contributed to conflicts in the past.

• During the gatherings of the Second Vatican During the gatherings of the Second Vatican Council, bishops, especially those from Asia, Council, bishops, especially those from Asia, demanded the topic of interreligious dialogue be demanded the topic of interreligious dialogue be discussed at the Council.discussed at the Council.

• The following are the guidelines that the Second The following are the guidelines that the Second Vatican Council decided should be considered in Vatican Council decided should be considered in interreligious dialogue.interreligious dialogue.

1. God’s Salvation Is Offered to All People1. God’s Salvation Is Offered to All People

• Since Vatican II, the Catholic Church has taught that all human Since Vatican II, the Catholic Church has taught that all human beings can be saved, even if they are not baptized or do not beings can be saved, even if they are not baptized or do not believe in Christ.believe in Christ.

• Catholics believe God—Father, Son, and Spirit—is the creator of Catholics believe God—Father, Son, and Spirit—is the creator of all humanity.all humanity.

• All humans are images of the same God.All humans are images of the same God.• All humans are one in spite of all their differences.All humans are one in spite of all their differences.• There is only one way of salvation and it comes as a gift from There is only one way of salvation and it comes as a gift from

God, offered to all.God, offered to all.

ImplicationImplication• Other religions are ways of life that are filled “with a profound Other religions are ways of life that are filled “with a profound

religious sense.”religious sense.”• They can lead to salvation because all humans can achieve They can lead to salvation because all humans can achieve

salvation by following their conscience.salvation by following their conscience.• All human beings find their origin and ultimate happiness in God, All human beings find their origin and ultimate happiness in God,

whatever their religion.whatever their religion.• All religions are an expression of the quest to look for God.All religions are an expression of the quest to look for God.• Catholics see goodness in the minds and hearts of men, and in Catholics see goodness in the minds and hearts of men, and in

their diverse religious practices and cultures.their diverse religious practices and cultures.

2. Jesus Christ Is Present in Other Religions2. Jesus Christ Is Present in Other Religions

• Catholics believe Catholics believe – God is the creator of all human beingsGod is the creator of all human beings– Because all human beings are created in the Because all human beings are created in the

image of God, they are the image of the image of God, they are the image of the Trinity, and also reflect Jesus ChristTrinity, and also reflect Jesus Christ

– Jesus is the only way to GodJesus is the only way to God

• During Vatican II, the Church professed the beliefs During Vatican II, the Church professed the beliefs thatthat

– God wants all people to be saved, even non-God wants all people to be saved, even non-members of the Churchmembers of the Church

– there is one universal plan of salvation in there is one universal plan of salvation in which all humans take part, even if they don’t which all humans take part, even if they don’t realize itrealize it

– Christ is present in other religions in some Christ is present in other religions in some mannermanner

– the fullness of Christ can only be found where the fullness of Christ can only be found where Jesus is fully worshipped and followedJesus is fully worshipped and followed

– the love in other religions is not separate from the love in other religions is not separate from the love God has for all humanity in Christthe love God has for all humanity in Christ

• ImplicationImplicationCatholics see “rays” of Christ or Catholics see “rays” of Christ or “seeds” of the Word in other “seeds” of the Word in other religions, even though other religions, even though other religions do not see Christ in religions do not see Christ in their religion.their religion.Catholics speak openly about Catholics speak openly about Christ to other religions to Christ to other religions to identify similarities and unity with identify similarities and unity with another religion.another religion.Christ is the great mystery of Christ is the great mystery of God’s love at the centre of God’s love at the centre of Catholic faith, and this is the Catholic faith, and this is the message Catholics bring to message Catholics bring to others.others.

3. The Holy Spirit Is at Work in Other 3. The Holy Spirit Is at Work in Other ReligionsReligions• The mission of the Spirit is to complete the work of Jesus and The mission of the Spirit is to complete the work of Jesus and

lead people to Christ and to the full truth.lead people to Christ and to the full truth.• The Holy Spirit completes and realizes what Jesus Christ set in The Holy Spirit completes and realizes what Jesus Christ set in

motion during his life.motion during his life.• Jesus’ story needs to be told everywhere.Jesus’ story needs to be told everywhere.• Catholics believe the Holy Spirit works within each person.Catholics believe the Holy Spirit works within each person.• The Holy Spirit offers all people the possibility of being The Holy Spirit offers all people the possibility of being

associated with the paschal mystery, and therefore the Church associated with the paschal mystery, and therefore the Church recognizes there is much that is good, true, and holy in other recognizes there is much that is good, true, and holy in other religions.religions.

ImplicationImplication• Catholics believe they may also come to a fuller truth about Catholics believe they may also come to a fuller truth about

Jesus by listening to the workings of God in all religions.Jesus by listening to the workings of God in all religions.• The same Holy Spirit that lives in the Church lives in other The same Holy Spirit that lives in the Church lives in other

religions.religions.• What the Spirit does in other religions will not contradict what What the Spirit does in other religions will not contradict what

it flourishes in the Church.it flourishes in the Church.• While many differences may exist among people, the While many differences may exist among people, the

differences are less important than the unity.differences are less important than the unity.

4. Dialogue Is Part of the Church’s Mission4. Dialogue Is Part of the Church’s Mission

• Interreligious dialogue is an act of the Holy Spirit leading people Interreligious dialogue is an act of the Holy Spirit leading people to the truth.to the truth.

• Catholics believe the Holy Spirit flourishes in the Church.Catholics believe the Holy Spirit flourishes in the Church.

ImplicationImplication• If the Spirit is at work in other religions, it must be found and If the Spirit is at work in other religions, it must be found and

appreciated and received by the Church.appreciated and received by the Church.• It is the Church’s mission to listen to what other religions have It is the Church’s mission to listen to what other religions have

to say and discern what is of God and what is not of God.to say and discern what is of God and what is not of God.• Dialogue is essential.Dialogue is essential.• The Church accepts that God is found in prayers, practices, The Church accepts that God is found in prayers, practices,

insights, and traditions of other religions.insights, and traditions of other religions.• If the Church fails to be receptive of other religions, it may be If the Church fails to be receptive of other religions, it may be

failing in its mission to proclaim Christ.failing in its mission to proclaim Christ.

Proclamation and MissionProclamation and Mission• The history of the Catholic Church is full of good and The history of the Catholic Church is full of good and

courageous works, and of holy and faithful people.courageous works, and of holy and faithful people.• At times, it has also lost sight of the dignity of all people of At times, it has also lost sight of the dignity of all people of

other religions.other religions.• Catholics still believe what God did through Jesus Christ is Catholics still believe what God did through Jesus Christ is

essential for human life to flourish.essential for human life to flourish.• The Church must and always will proclaim the Good News of The Church must and always will proclaim the Good News of

the Gospel.the Gospel.• The mission of evangelization, of bringing the Gospel to others, The mission of evangelization, of bringing the Gospel to others,

must continue.must continue.• New efforts are being made to bring the Gospel to countries in New efforts are being made to bring the Gospel to countries in

the West, where people are doubtful and skeptical.the West, where people are doubtful and skeptical.• Pope John Paul II called for a “new evangelization”—new in its Pope John Paul II called for a “new evangelization”—new in its

enthusiasm, method, and expression.enthusiasm, method, and expression.• It should be done with respect to the different paths of It should be done with respect to the different paths of

different people, and with sensitivity to the diversity of cultures different people, and with sensitivity to the diversity of cultures so that particular values are not rejected.so that particular values are not rejected.

• Part of new evangelization is dialogue with other religions.Part of new evangelization is dialogue with other religions.• The first aim is not conversation, but mutual understanding.The first aim is not conversation, but mutual understanding.

Four Types of Interreligious DialogueFour Types of Interreligious Dialogue• All Catholics are called to participate in interreligious dialogue.All Catholics are called to participate in interreligious dialogue.• In dialogue, Catholics give witness to what they believe, deepen In dialogue, Catholics give witness to what they believe, deepen

their religious commitment, and seek to understand the other’s way their religious commitment, and seek to understand the other’s way of life. of life.

• in 1991, the Church’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in 1991, the Church’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue outlined four ways of achieving dialogueoutlined four ways of achieving dialogue

1. The Dialogue of Everyday Life1. The Dialogue of Everyday Life• It is a dialogue of courtesy, openness, and becoming good It is a dialogue of courtesy, openness, and becoming good

neighbours.neighbours.• It means sharing what we have in common: our joys and sorrows, It means sharing what we have in common: our joys and sorrows,

helping the needy, understanding the challenges others face living helping the needy, understanding the challenges others face living in Canada as part of a minority religion or culture.in Canada as part of a minority religion or culture.

2. The Dialogue of Action2. The Dialogue of Action• The Gospel of Jesus aimed to create a new humanity, to take care of The Gospel of Jesus aimed to create a new humanity, to take care of

the poor and the sick, to bring back those who are excluded, to the poor and the sick, to bring back those who are excluded, to liberate the unfree and addicted.liberate the unfree and addicted.

• This concern for others, for their full development as persons and This concern for others, for their full development as persons and their need for freedom, is shared with other religions.their need for freedom, is shared with other religions.

• Catholics can work with other religions for the well-being of Catholics can work with other religions for the well-being of humanity, to safeguard the rights of individuals, promote people’s humanity, to safeguard the rights of individuals, promote people’s aspirations for happiness, protect nature, show solidarity with the aspirations for happiness, protect nature, show solidarity with the victims of injustice, and struggle for peace and justice.victims of injustice, and struggle for peace and justice.

3. The Dialogue of Theological Exchange3. The Dialogue of Theological Exchange

• Church leaders and theologians must take part in intellectual Church leaders and theologians must take part in intellectual dialogues to understand each other’s religious traditions, ways of dialogues to understand each other’s religious traditions, ways of life, and spiritual values.life, and spiritual values.

• Once mutual trust has been gained, bitterness from past actions, Once mutual trust has been gained, bitterness from past actions, inconsistencies in each other’s positions, prejudices, and human inconsistencies in each other’s positions, prejudices, and human rights can be discussed.rights can be discussed.

• Catholics will find reincarnation, worshipping of deities, polygamy, Catholics will find reincarnation, worshipping of deities, polygamy, and the caste system unacceptable, but they must become part of and the caste system unacceptable, but they must become part of the dialogue of truth.the dialogue of truth.

• We must remember that the differences between people are less We must remember that the differences between people are less important than the unity.important than the unity.

4. The Dialogue of Religious Experience4. The Dialogue of Religious Experience• In several parts of Canada, people from different religious In several parts of Canada, people from different religious

traditions come together to speak with each other about their traditions come together to speak with each other about their spirituality.spirituality.

• Catholics may explain to others about prayer life and meditation.Catholics may explain to others about prayer life and meditation.• They may talk about their beliefs and how they search for God.They may talk about their beliefs and how they search for God.• This type of spiritual dialogue can lead to a deep appreciation of This type of spiritual dialogue can lead to a deep appreciation of

what moves members of other religions, and a deeper what moves members of other religions, and a deeper appreciation of our own faith.appreciation of our own faith.