Ecumenism
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The study of the world's other religious traditions help to nurture
and develop a deeper understanding of our own Christian faith through
enriching our perception and enabling us to know each one more
precisely.
"To know just one religion is to know none," was a saying once
pointed out by Friedrich Max Muller, one of the founders of the study of
comparative religions. By challenging ourselves to learning more about
our world's various religions we are taking our religious freedom to a
new level. Our religious freedom enables us the right of choice, and the
power that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his or
her own beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in
association with others, within due limits. When the Vatican Council
made this declaration it opened up many doors to explore new meanings
and enrich our understanding of other religions through our own
human dignity.
When looking at the core beliefs of religions such as: Judaism,
Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Protestant Christianity it is interesting
to look at the common truths and relationships the Catholic Church
shares. For example; Islam also believes in one God, that God has
spoken to human beings, and the concept of working towards social
justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom. The Catholic
Church hopes to foster mutual understanding with the Islam religion
and wishes to work together to promote social justice.
By analyzing these major world religions some may believe this
may fuel religious hatred and intolerance, but this is wrong. Religious
tolerance and freedom cannot be built on ignorance but rather on the
understanding of commonalities and differences...