Regnocentrism in the Theology of Religions in the FABC and Paul Knitter

• Main Author: Mendoza, Ruben C
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2009
• Subjects: Catholic Studies; Religion
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/theology-faculty-pubs/25; https://poj.peeters-leuven.be/content.php?url=article&id=2044690
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

In mapping the terrain of contemporary theologies of religions, Paul Knitter classifies the theology of religions of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) as belonging to the fulfilment model. Knitter himself espouses the mutuality model: he 'crossed the Rubicon' using the ethical-practical bridge. Notwithstanding the fact that the FABC’s and Knitter’s theologies are different models in Knitter’s schema, both emphasize the centrality of the Reign of God. Nevertheless, there are significant differences between their theologies. This article compares and contrasts their regnocentric theologies of religions and points out the convergences and divergences within them. While the FABC advances the Vatican’s position, Knitter’s theology presents a different way of understanding the role of Jesus Christ and the church, one which raises crucial points for discussion on what it means to be faithful to the Christian tradition.