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July-September 2010
Vol.XII .... No.3
Christian Uniqueness
New Perspectives
 

Editorial :

     
 
 
    A crucial issue in modern Missiology is the relationship of Christianity to other religious traditions. Vatican II already got to grips with the matter and laid the foundation for fresh thinking in this regard. During the past four decades we have seen an interesting and enriching discussion on the subject. Fundamental to all discussion in the matter is the uniqueness of Jesus Christ.
In his article, Christian Faith: Truth and Tolerance, a Study in Ratzinger’s Phenomenology of Religion, C.R. Agera deals with this timely question. He begins by observing how the Christian claim to uniqueness could affect tolerance in modern multi-cultural and multi-religious societies. Even today, despite the astounding scientific and
 
technological progress our world has witnessed, we still have what amounts to religious wars like those in history centuries ago.The question of truth in religion has been irksome in recent times to both historians and philosophers of religion alike. Any significant claim to truth in one’s own religion very often smacks of intolerance of other religions. The author studies the nature of the relation between truth and tolerance, with special reference to Ratzinger’s phenomenology of religion. Finally, contrary to the popular polytheistic and pluralistic beliefs, he argues that the question of truth in Christianity makes it eminently tolerant.

    Joy Kachappilly too reflects on the theme in his article Understanding Uniqueness in Christianity: Perspectives from Christian Thinkers. Given the way certain unique features of religions are understood, difficulties could arise in forging genuine relationships among religions. At the same time it is these features that give identity to different religions. The author examines the issues involved in theology of religions regarding the uniqueness of Jesus Christ and how different Christian scholars have attempted to understand it. Further, the issue of uniqueness considered by most of these theologians betrays a Western problematic. He asks whether we can deal with the issue without necessarily using the language of uniqueness.
    Jose Varickasseril delves into sacred scripture in his essay on priestly dispositions. As the year dedicated to priests is coming to an end, his reflections will be of great help in revitalizing priestly life and ministry. Though the list of qualities presented is not exhaustive, it shows a profound understanding of biblical teaching on the type of life and service that should characterize God’s minister. It is these virtues that will enable him to resemble Christ in his lifestyle and thus live his identity and realize the goal of his vocation.
   The most pastorally effective virtue for the priest is loving kindness in his relationship with the people whom he serves. Kindness is a virtue that enriches the life of everyone. In fact all religious traditions attach great value to it. James H. Kroeger reflects on it in his essay, Kindness: God’s Love in Deeds. Kindness is a virtue that over the centuries has been valued by wise persons, both religious and secular; the great spiritual traditions see kindness as a pathway to a truly humane life. This presentation explores the virtue of kindness and focuses attention on “ten kindness commandments.” The article combines the insights of poets and philosophers, sages and saints, proverbs and parables, literature and life. Through copious biblical quotes, it also captures the deep wisdom of the Judaeo-Christian scriptures.
   Roy Anthony looks at a truly saintly educator priest, Don Bosco, and studies the spirituality of his educational system. The saint taught the preventive system of education, a name, perhaps, that is somewhat puzzling. But its meaning and the remarkable wealth it contains become clear only when seen in the context of Don Bosco’s mission to the young. One needs to go beyond individual practices to the mentality, the attitudes, the beliefs and orientations that form the foundation of the system. That will lead us to the spirituality of Don Bosco.

   AnI am grateful to Rev. Roy Fosker SDB (Accra, Ghana) for his assistance in editing this issue of Mission Today.

   I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Rev. Br. Nello Valeri, Manager, Don Bosco Press, Shillong, who has been printing Mission Today for the past twelve years, with admirable competence, regularity and dedication. He is retiring this year as manager of the press. Thank you Br. Valeri. We will cherish your service to Mission Today.

Paul Vadakumpadan
 
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