2. Throughout history even to the present day, there is found among
different peoples a certain awareness of a hidden power, which lies
behind the course of nature and the events of human life. At times
there is present even a recognition of a supreme being or still more
of a Father. This awareness and recognition results in a way of life
that is imbued with a deep religious sense. The religions which are
found in more advanced civilizations endeavor by way of well-defined
concepts and exact language to answer these questions. Thus in
Hinduism men explore the divine mystery and express it both in the
limitless riches of myth and the accurately defined insights of
philosophy. They seek release from the trials of the present life by
ascetical practices, profound meditation and recourse to God in
confidence and love. Buddhism in its various forms testifies to the
essential inadequacy of this changing world. It proposes a way of life
by which men can with confidence and trust, attain a state of perfect
liberation and reach supreme illumination either through their own
efforts or by the aid of divine help. So. too, other religions which
are found throughout the world attempt in their own ways to calm the
hearts of men by outlining a program of life covering doctrine, moral
precepts and sacred rites.
The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these
religions. She has a high regard for the manner of life and conduct,
the precepts and doctrines which, although differing in many ways from
her own teaching, nevertheless often reflect a ray of that truth which
enlightens all men. Yet she proclaims and is in duty bound to proclaim
without fail, Christ who is the way, the truth and the life (Jn. 1:6).
In him, in whom God reconciled all things to himself (2 Cor. 5:18-19),
men find the fullness of their religious life.
The Church therefore, urges her sons to enter with prudence and
charity into discussion and collaboration with members of other
religions. Let Christians, while witnessing to their own faith and way
of life, acknowledge, preserve and encourage the spiritual and moral
truths found among non-Christians, also their social life and culture.
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