Roldan, Rachelle M.

THY 4
2FSM-B
1. Why are there many religions in all parts of the world?
The world is big and civilizations prospered on their own throughout time.
Eventually, they created and fortified their religion and started to spread it to the
lands they could conquer. They believed that their religion is the truest and
realest once they come upon another religion when in fact there is no correct
religion because of the beliefs and culture that was made throughout history.
Also because of mega-migration and mega-urbanization, different religions can
be found all over the world. Multiculturality is a reality and so is multi-religiosity.
2. Why is it important to talk about religion?
It is important to talk about religion because it is the heart of a culture. One
of it’s functions is to address issues of meaning. Religion existed even in the
contemporary times. Migration moves people from one place to another that
results in plurality of beliefs, religions, and worldviews. Dialogue in Asia is
important in crossing the bridge of differences between and among religions.
3. Why do we need to engage in dialogue with other religions?
We need to engage in dialogue with other religions to better understand
their culture and beliefs, also to immerse ourselves to create connections with
the believers.
4. How is Religious Pluralism different from Religious Relativism?
Religious pluralism is believing in two or more religious worldviews as
being equally valid or acceptable. It accepts multiple paths to God or gods as a
possibility. Meanwhile, religious relativism maintains that one religion can be true
for one person or culture but not for another. Therefore, no religion is universally
or exclusively true.
5. What is the main purpose of engaging in Interreligious Dialogue
The purpose of engaging in Interreligious Dialogue gives the individual the
autonomy to experience a true discomfort of thought, through a relational person-
to-person approach. It is compounded by the common concern and
encouragement of the values of peace, humanity, and compassion.
6. Who are the so-called "anonymous Christians"?
Anonymous Christian is the controversial belief introduced by the Jesuit
theologian Karl Rahner that declares that people who have never heard the
Christian Gospel might be saved through Christ.
7. What are the 4 different forms of dialogue? Give an example for each.
a. The dialogue of life - During child-naming, funeral celebrations and weddings.
Religious people of these different faiths attend one another’s ceremonies
without the question of religious affiliation because the main goal is to share the
joy of childbirth or marriage and to share the pain of a loss of a relative or love
one

b. The dialogue of action - people from all religion and races helps those
who are affected by natural disasters
c. The dialogue of theological exchange- bible study
d. The dialogue of religious experience- religious gatherings/talks and one
shares about his/her personal experience