Truth and Tolerance : Christian Belief and World Religions

by Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus; Taylor, Henry

• ISBN13: 9781586170356
• ISBN10: 158617035X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-10-31
• Publisher: Ignatius Press

Summary

Is truth knowable? If we know the truth, must we hide it in the name of tolerance? Cardinal Ratzinger engages the problem of truth, tolerance, religion and culture in the modern world. Describing the vast array of world religions, Ratzinger embraces the difficult challenge of meeting diverse understandings of spiritual truth while defending the Catholic teaching of salvation through Jesus Christ. "But what if it is true?" is the question that he poses to cultures that decry the Christian position on man's redemption. Upholding the notion of religious truth while asserting the right of religious freedom, Cardinal Ratzinger outlines the timeless teaching of the Magisterium in language that resonates with our embattled culture. A work of extreme sensitivity, understanding, and spiritual maturity, this book is an invaluable asset to those who struggle to hear the voice of truth in the modern religious world.

"Beyond all particular questions, the real problem lies in the question about truth. Can truth be recognized? Or, is the question about truth simply inappropriate in the realm of religion and belief? But what meaning does belief then have, what positive meaning does religion have, if it cannot be connected with truth?" 
—Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
From the Preface

Author Biography

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) is widely recognized as one of the most brilliant theologians and spiritual leaders of our age. As Pope he authored the best-selling Jesus of Nazareth; and prior to his pontificate, he wrote many influential books that continue to remain important for the contemporary Church, such as Introduction to Christianity and The Spirit of the Liturgy.

Table of Contents

Preface	9	(6)
PART ONE The Christian Faith in Its Encounter with Cultures and Religions
1 The Unity and Diversity of Religions: The Place of Christianity in the History of Religions	15	(30)
Interlude	45	(10)
2 Faith, Religion, and Culture	55	(58)
Variations on the Theme of Faith, Religion, and Culture	80	(58)
1. Inclusivism and Pluralism	80	(5)
2. Is Christianity a European Religion?	85	(5)
3. Hellenization?	90	(5)
4. Abraham and Melchizedek	95	(4)
5. Distinguishing What Is Christian	99	(7)
6. Multireligious and Interreligious Prayer	106
PART TWO Religions and the Question of Truth
Foreword	113	(2)
1 The New Questions That Arose in the Nineties: The Position of Faith and Theology Today	115	(23)
2 The Truth of Christianity?	138	(72)
1. Faith between Reason and Feeling 138
2. Christianity-The True Religion? 162
3. Faith, Truth, and Culture Reflections Prompted by the Encyclical Fides et Ratio	183	(27)
3 Truth-Tolerance-Freedom	210	(49)
1. Faith-Truth-Tolerance	210	(21)
2. Freedom and Truth	231	(28)
Individual Chapters Previously Published	259	(6)
Index	265	(18)
Scripture Index	283