Religious Pluralism and the Church

An introduction to the contemporary experience of religious diversity and pluralism as an ecclesiological issue, raising questions about nature and mission of the Church.  In the first major unit, we will briefly trace the historical background of this contemporary conversation, beginning with Biblical traditions and concluding with major positions in the theology of religions.  The second major unit takes up such topics as revelation, covenant and the reign of God in interreligious perspective.  Then, in the final unit, we will focus more narrowly upon the challenges of interreligious dialogue and comparative theology in the Catholic encounter with Hinduism.  The course will be conducted seminar style.  Essay assignments include an academic book review and a major research paper.  Although most course readings emerge from the context of post-Vatican II Catholicism, students will be welcome to explore comparable developments outside this tradition in their major papers.