What should Catholics and indeed all followers of Jesus think about the other great religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Daoism, Sikhism, Shinto? Might it be that the one true God is operative in these other religions, working out the divine plan of salvation? Or are they hindrances to God's plan? What, in fact, is the relationship of Christianity to the other religions? These are some of the questions dealt with in this book. On the basis of an historical and phenomenological study of the world religions, this book examines what the scriptures, tradition, and the teaching of the Catholic Church have to say about the ultimate meaning and value of the non-Christian religions, and how Catholics are to relate to the adherents of the other religions with understanding and appreciation. Locating the historical origins of the world religions, tracing their historical development, observing the experiential phenomena from which they arise, seeking to identify elements that unify them, as well as pondering the questions that become evident as the result of such a study--these procedures of historical and phenomenological analysis deal with issues of great significance and facilitate the author's search for, and interpretation of, the strictly theological data that disclose the ultimate significance of the non-Christian religions. Readers will appreciate this comprehensive work that reflects, from a Christian-Catholic point of view, on the ultimate meaning and value of the non-Christian religions, emphasizing how they may relate to the adherents of the other religions with understanding and appreciation. They will also understand more deeply the reality of Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit as a result of their dialogue with religious pluralism. +
