By Lavoisier Fernandes
On Good Friday 1959, St. Pope John XXIII spontaneously eliminated the expression ‘perfidious Jews’ from the liturgical prayers. The move, which was extended to the universal Church soon afterwards, was more than a gesture.
The Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions was not initially part of Vatican II’s agenda, but Nostra Aetate (“In our Time”) emerged from the vision of St. Pope John XXIII. As Archbishop Roncalli in Istanbul during World War II, he saved thousands of Jewish lives and witnessed the Holocaust—the horrific extermination of six million Jews in Europe, one of the darkest chapters in history.
This shortest official document from the Second Vatican Council, subtitled “Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions,” was approved by a substantial majority of bishops and promulgated by St. Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965. It fundamentally defined the Catholic Church’s relationships with non-Christian faiths.
Close to sixty years later, this brief official document remains relevant, serving as a vital refresher in today’s war zone world thirsting for peace amid religious conflicts and disputes over the superiority of different gods or religions and the growing tide of extremism, communalism that threatens global harmony.
Did Nostra Aetate Imply Equality Among All Religions?
The short answer is no, although many sceptics and naysayers of Vatican II would like to imply otherwise, suggesting that the council was filled with heresies.
Nostra Aetate focused on the Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions but did not address their salvific status. Its purpose differed significantly from that of Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church).
Lumen Gentium, on the other hand, explored the relationship between non-Christians and the Church, specifically concerning the potential for salvation for those in non-Christian religions and even atheists.
So, what did Nostra Aetate say on other Religions?
Paragraph two of the document explains(citing other religions) that throughout history, various peoples have perceived a hidden power guiding the course of events and human history. Some have even recognized a Supreme being or a father figure. This awareness deeply influences their religious lives.
The document further adds that the Catholic Church respects all that is true and sacred in these religions, holding in reverence their conduct, teachings, and beliefs, which may differ but often reflect a glimpse of universal Truth. The Church encourages dialogue and collaboration with other faiths to recognize, preserve, and promote the spiritual, moral, and cultural values they hold.
It continues by stating that- indeed she (the church) 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.
Can other religions lead to God and what did St. Pope John Paul II say?
Pope St. John Paul II later expanded on the concept of Semina Verbi (“seeds of the Word”), originally introduced by St. Justin Martyr in the first century, in relation to Nostra Aetate.
“I have wished to recall the ancient doctrine formulated by the Fathers of the Church, which says that we must recognize “the seeds of the Word” present and active in the various religions. This doctrine leads us to affirm that, though the routes taken may be different, there is but a single goal to which is directed the deepest aspiration of the human spirit as expressed in its quest for God and also in its quest, through its tending towards God, for the full dimension of its humanity, or in other words, for the full meaning of human life. The “seeds of truth” present and active in the various religious traditions are a reflection of the unique Word of God, who “enlightens every man coming into world” and who became flesh in Christ Jesus.”
So then, What about Baptism and Salvation?
The notion that there are “many paths to God” does not contradict the belief that Jesus Christ is the “only way” to God and salvation, as encapsulated in the phrase extra ecclesiam nulla salus (outside the Church there is no salvation) CCC 845.
If this idea holds truth, then is baptism the only necessity for salvation or not? The short answer is no, it’s not a contradiction. The explanation lies in paragraph 1257 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which states that “God has bound salvation to the sacrament of baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments”.
While the Church maintains that salvation is found in union with the Catholic Church, the Catechism also addresses those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel but seek God sincerely and as noted in CCC 847, such individuals may still attain eternal salvation.
Additionally (CCC 848), explains-although in ways known to himself God can lead those who, through no fault of their own, are ignorant of the Gospel, to that faith without which it is impossible to please him.
Is there any point in Interreligious dialogue ?
In his 2012 Christmas Address, late Pope Benedict emphasized that interreligious dialogue serves as a complementary approach to evangelization rather than a direct means of conversion. He highlighted two key points:
- Dialogue does not aim at conversion, but at understanding. In this respect it differs from evangelization, from mission.
- Accordingly, both parties to the dialogue remain consciously within their identity, which the dialogue does not place in question either for themselves or for the other. . . . [T]he search for knowledge and understanding always has to involve drawing closer to the truth. Both sides in this piece-by-piece approach to truth are therefore on the path that leads forward and towards greater commonality, brought about by the oneness of the truth. . ., the search for an answer to a specific question becomes a process in which, through listening to the other, both sides can obtain purification and enrichment. Thus, this search can also mean taking common steps towards the one truth, even if the fundamental choices remain unaltered
Salvation is a Grace whilst God is the Master
Salvation is a grace not an entitlement, and we do believe that Baptism is the only way we know of (the only way God revealed to us) to receive the grace of salvation. But God, in His infinite love and wisdom is not limited by the limited revelation He shared with us. God can do whatever He wants to do.
So also, being baptized does not guarantee salvation if one lives a life of duplicity that contradicts the teachings of the Gospel. True faith is reflected not just in the sacrament of Baptism but also in the integrity of one’s actions and lifestyle. Salvation also requires a genuine commitment to following Christ’s teachings and living out one’s faith authentically.
In the New Testament (James 2:26) emphasizes that faith without works is dead, suggesting that outward signs of faith, like baptism, must be accompanied by a sincere effort to live according to God’s will. Ultimately, God judges not just our actions but the authenticity of our faith and intentions.
The bottom line is that God knows our hearts and God sees the genuine intentions in our hearts.
Prayer is the treasure of all faiths and Nostra Aetate is an appeal for mutual understanding
While commemorating the Vatican II declaration on Nostra Aetate, Pope Francis stated, “The world looks to religious believers for their ability to pray. Prayer is our treasure, drawn upon according to our respective traditions, to seek the gifts for which humanity yearns.”
So, to that end, Nostra Aetate stands as a significant appeal for our times, urging us the faithful to engage in respectful dialogue with followers of other religions, to seek common ground, and to work together for the common good. It invites a deeper understanding of the shared human experience while affirming the unique truth of the Christian faith.
Lavoisier Fernandes, born and raised in Goa, is currently based in West London. His faith is “work in progress”- and a lifelong journey. He has always been fascinated by the Catholic faith thanks to his Salesian schooling and his passion is podcasting, theology, the papacy, volunteering.
He has hosted the ‘Talking Faith’ series for Heavens Road FM Catholic Radio, connecting with ordinary men and women within the Catholic faith, other faiths and examining issues affecting both Church and society and has also hosted the ‘Heart Talk’ series for Shalom World Catholic TV. In 2018 one of his podcast -Mental Health and the role of the Catholic Church was shortlisted for the Jerusalem awards in UK. Presently contributes for the Goa Diocesan magazine – Renovação, Mumbai Diocesan magazine – The Examiner, the only digital Indian Catholic portal – Indian Catholic Matters and the Faith Companion Magazine in England.