Saint Louis University A.

Bonifacio Street, Baguio City

FINAL EXAMINATION
CFE 105B: CICM IN ACTION: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
Second Semester AY 2022-2023

General Instructions:
1. Answer the questions with unified and coherent statements to be able to clearly state your perspectives
and insights on the matter.
2. Develop, support, or justify your ideas with reasoning and examples in an organized manner.
3. Communicate your ideas effectively in standard written English.
4. Please be guided by the rubric given.

ESSAY: (40 points)

1. By “culture of encounter,” Pope Francis meant that “we, as a people, should be passionate about
meeting others, seeking points of contact, building bridges, planning a project that includes everyone”
(FT n. 216). The culture of encounter aims to create a many-faceted polyhedron, which “can represent a
society where differences coexist, complementing, enriching and reciprocally illuminating one another,
even amid disagreements and reservations, each of us can learn something from others” (FT n. 215) Phan,
2022.

Based on the article, explain the meaning of interreligious dialogue as an “encounter” based on the given
text above. How essential is this concept in attaining a harmonious co-existence with others despite
multiculturality and religious pluralism? Elaborate your answer. (20 points)

As an "encounter," interreligious dialogue refers to the active and purposeful participation of persons from
various religious backgrounds. It entails exploring points of contact, constructing bridges, and establishing
spaces for people of different religious traditions to come together and share their views, values, and
experiences. This encounter is anchored in Pope Francis's description of a culture of encounter, which
emphasizes the significance of passionate involvement with others and the inclusion of everyone in
society. I join together in this world, regardless of my religion, sharing one faith and spreading the greatest
love God has given to His people.

The notion of an "encounter" of interreligious dialogue highlights the importance of personal and
meaningful contact between people of various religions. It goes beyond simple tolerance or cohabitation
and promotes actual involvement that enables discovery, understanding, and appreciation of one
another's points of view. This interaction can foster mutual respect, empathy, and a willingness to learn
from one another. For example, I am a Roman Catholic, but I am open to trying new religious traditions,
such as Born Again and INC. When I visited their church, it was very different from those of Roman
Catholics who commemorate the Lord's Day. They were quite energetic, with plenty of singing and
dancing, and I was astounded since it was all new to me. Nevertheless, I did not pass judgment; I
comprehended and learned how they celebrated their worship day. It is gratifying that I was able to
experience new things, but I recognize that while we may celebrate in various ways, we share the same
faith and worship the same God.

It implies that it helps the formation of a multifaceted polyhedron society. This polyhedron portrays a
multifaceted society in which many cultures and faiths live, complementing and enhancing one another.
It understands that, despite differences, connecting with others has value, and everyone has something
to share and teach. Interreligious dialogue as an encounter becomes essential for attaining harmonious
coexistence. It acknowledges the reality of a diverse society with various religious beliefs and cultural
backgrounds. Individuals can overcome misunderstandings, stereotypes, and prejudices between
religious groups by actively engaging in dialogue. It promotes mutual understanding, cooperation, and
collaboration, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility for the well-being of society.

Interreligious discourse fosters understanding, respect, and collaboration, allowing individuals to establish
bridges, recognize differences, and work together for the common good. It helps to build a varied and
inclusive society in which people may learn from one another despite disputes and misgivings.

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 Saint Louis University A. Bonifacio Street, Baguio City
School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts dhreligion@[Link]
DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION 0981 316 2220

2. Given the discussions on Interreligious Dialogue, what universal values do you think are necessary to be
able to express and manifest the need to establish dialogue and harmonious relationships with all
people, particularly those from different faith/religious traditions. Cite two (2) and explain. Discuss also
how the CICM exemplified these universal values? (20 points)

Respect for human dignity and commitment or profound understanding are two universal qualities
required to express and reflect the need for interreligious dialogue and peaceful relationships with
persons from various religious traditions.
1. Respect for Human Dignity: Respect for Human dignity is a fundamental universal concept that
accepts every individual's intrinsic worth and equality, regardless of religion or cultural
background. It entails recognizing and respecting others' rights, opinions, and individuality.
Respecting human dignity in interreligious dialogue entails acknowledging and respecting
everyone's right to freely hold and practice their religious views, free of discrimination or
prejudice. It entails recognizing each individual's uniqueness and variety and treating them with
understanding, kindness, and justice.
Through its dedication to interreligious dialogue and collaboration, the CICM, a Catholic religious order,
has exhibited respect for human dignity. The CICM has created links with diverse religious groups
worldwide and has engaged in meaningful discussion that acknowledges and respects each person's
unique identity. Saint Louis University, a CICM institution, has demonstrated exemplary respect for
human dignity because its students come from various cultures and religions; as a Roman Catholic, I
could still practice my culture, and my friends studying there can feel like they belong. The CICM
exhibits a strong appreciation for the dignity of all persons, regardless of religious affiliation, via its
deeds, establishing an environment of understanding, acceptance, and mutual respect.
2. Commitment to Dialogue and Understanding: Commitment to dialogue and understanding is
another universal virtue for interreligious communication. This value highlights the significance of
open and honest communication, active listening, and a genuine desire to interact with people. It
entails looking for common ground, discussing shared ideals, and learning from one another's
points of view. A dedication to discussion and understanding recognizes the diversity and the need
for constructive involvement in bridging gaps, resolving problems, and developing harmonious
relationships.
Through its attempts to participate in interreligious conversation with other religious traditions, the
CICM has exhibited a solid commitment to discourse and understanding. The congregation constantly
seeks chances to cooperate, learn, and connect with individuals from other religious traditions. The
CICM encourages understanding, empathy, and mutual learning by engaging in discourse. Throughout
15 years of studying religion, I discovered that I must be open to our differences, just as Jesus was. He
did not discriminate; instead, he helped others regardless of their background. This dedication to
communication and understanding is rooted in the notion that I can overcome misconceptions, build
relationships, and collaborate toward common goals through respectful participation.

The CICM contributes to the creation of an environment in which people of different faith traditions can
come together, share their beliefs, and work towards building harmonious relationships based on mutual
respect and cooperation by upholding human dignity and fostering dialogue and understanding.

Rubric:
Description Outstanding Good Fair Poor Very Poor
10 8 6 4 2
Content & Well written Writes fairly Minimal effort. Somewhat Lacking in
Relevance and very clearly. Fair unclear. effort.
organized. Good presentation. Shows little Very
Clear and presentation Few effort. unclear.
concise and supporting Confusing Does not
statements. organization. details. and choppy, address
Excellent effort Sufficient incomplete topic.
and effort and sentences. Limited
presentation details. No attempt.
with detail. organization
Demonstrates a of thoughts.
thorough
understanding
of the topic.
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Saint Louis University A. Bonifacio Street, Baguio City
School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts dhreligion@[Link]
DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION 0981 316 2220

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