A Specific Examination of the Religious Phenomenon

Self-Revealing Mystery, Faith and Theology

Abstract

This paper aims to facilitate interreligious dialogue by identifying a key element present within religious traditions, which facilitates meaningful Christian engagement. It begins with an analysis of the Second Vatican Council’s document Nostra Aetate, which serves as a foundation for understanding authentic religious encounters. These encounters, particularly those involving hierophany and theophany, represent moments when divine revelation intersects with human life, highlighting the active presence of the divine. For such encounters to occur, individuals must be open and receptive to these divine expressions, promoting a faith that is grounded in existential trust and belief. This faith, in turn, forms the cornerstone of how one understands their existence and their relationship to the divine. The paper also touches upon the dynamic relationship between religious reflection, or theology, and philosophy, with an emphasis on how faith precedes theological constructs. This prioritization of faith is essential for anyone engaging in interreligious dialogue. In conclusion, I explore how the articulation of foundational religious experiences within theological frameworks plays a vital role in furthering understanding across different faith traditions.