Nostra AetateNostra Aetate, the final declaration of the Catholic Church's stance on other world religions, has shaped the way Catholics around the world view other faith traditions. Passed on October 28, 1965 during the Second Vatican Council, this declaration went through many challenges to get to where it is today. Originally rejected for political reasons, Nosta Aetate had to overcome numerous obstacles to be included as a part of the Second Vatican Council documents. Before being added to Vatican II documents, Nosta Aetate was lightly included in Unitatis Redintegratio, or the Decree on Ecumenism. The "updated" version of Nosta Aetate had a much wider viewpoint on the various world religions, and was ultimately added to the Second Vatican Council writings.
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What's Left Unsaid
While Nostra Aetate had many positive impacts on the way Christians view other religions, this document also left a lot of room for many new and puzzling questions. One of the most important questions that this writing poses is: Can salvation be found in other faiths? The answer to this question is no, salvation can only be found through Christ. Along with this, the Church recognizes that while Christ is the only way to be saved, it is still possible to experience him outside the faith and in new and different ways. Nostra Aetate also recognizes that there is truths to be found among other faith traditions. While they are not the saving truths of the Catholic Church, other religions prompt some of the same ideals and truths as the Church.
There will continue to be questions and concerns regarding how to approach other religions outside of the Catholic Church. Since Nostra Aetate, there have been updates in how the Church shall esteem other faith traditions. Even recently, Pope Francis has talked about respecting other religions. He encourages that believers of other religions “can freely worship and become fully a part of society." Even though Nostra Aetate was published in the Second Vatican Council, this document still prevails and will always be an extremely important teaching in the Catholic faith. Nostra Aetate is the foundation for and the necessary step towards equality and respect for all humankind.
There will continue to be questions and concerns regarding how to approach other religions outside of the Catholic Church. Since Nostra Aetate, there have been updates in how the Church shall esteem other faith traditions. Even recently, Pope Francis has talked about respecting other religions. He encourages that believers of other religions “can freely worship and become fully a part of society." Even though Nostra Aetate was published in the Second Vatican Council, this document still prevails and will always be an extremely important teaching in the Catholic faith. Nostra Aetate is the foundation for and the necessary step towards equality and respect for all humankind.