Vatican II and Non-Christian Religions: Mission as a Context for Dialogue?

Prof. Gavin D’Costa

Angelicum Thomistic Institute

The teachings of the Council on other religions has often been hailed as the move from mission to dialogue. This lecture suggests otherwise. The Council did show a positive appreciation of non-Christian religions, but within the context of both mission and dialogue. This gives us a more balanced picture of the tasks ahead.

Gavin D’Costa is Professor of Catholic Theology at the University of Bristol. Gavin studied at the Universities of Birmingham (under Professor John Hick) and completed his doctorate at Cambridge University. Gavin is author of nine books, one co-authored book, and has edited twelve books. His interests are in theology of religions, and more recently the Catholic theology of Jews and Muslims. His work has been translated into seven languages. His two most recent publications are: Vatican II. Catholic Doctrines on Jews and Muslims, (Oxford University Press, 2014) and Catholic Doctrines on the Jewish People after Vatican II (OUP, 2019). Gavin has also published a book of poetry (Making Nothing Happen) with a group of Christian poets. Gavin is an advisor to the Roman Catholic Bishops in England and Wales on matters related to other religions. He has taught in Rome at the Gregorian, as Visiting McCarthy Professor. Gavin is married with two children.