The article highlights the guiding principles which make the Conciliar Declaration Dignitatis Humanae so outstanding and prophetic in character. Initially, the article focuses on the development of the Church's doctr...The article highlights the guiding principles which make the Conciliar Declaration Dignitatis Humanae so outstanding and prophetic in character. Initially, the article focuses on the development of the Church's doctrine from a position of "error has no rights" to one where elements of truth are recognised in other religions. The questions addressed include the foundational principles of religious freedom, its limitations, as well as the positive attitudes embraced in its exercise. The article touches upon the role of the initially ~'disinvited" John Courtney Murray (1904-1967) and the unique contribution of Pietro Pavan (1903-1994) to the Declaration, as well as the evaluation made upon it by Ladislas 0rsy (b.1921) and Robert Drinan (1920-2007). With the publication of Dignitatis Humanae, the Church took a quantum leap which allowed it to gain a degree of credibility in the context of its new commitment to religious tolerance. This leap has to be seen in connection to Lumen Gentium 16 and Nostra Aetate 2. Finally, the lasting relevance of Dignitatis Humanae is understood in the light of the Council's focused and authentic attention to human needs within a socio-political context which continues to evolve from day to day.展开更多
文摘The article highlights the guiding principles which make the Conciliar Declaration Dignitatis Humanae so outstanding and prophetic in character. Initially, the article focuses on the development of the Church's doctrine from a position of "error has no rights" to one where elements of truth are recognised in other religions. The questions addressed include the foundational principles of religious freedom, its limitations, as well as the positive attitudes embraced in its exercise. The article touches upon the role of the initially ~'disinvited" John Courtney Murray (1904-1967) and the unique contribution of Pietro Pavan (1903-1994) to the Declaration, as well as the evaluation made upon it by Ladislas 0rsy (b.1921) and Robert Drinan (1920-2007). With the publication of Dignitatis Humanae, the Church took a quantum leap which allowed it to gain a degree of credibility in the context of its new commitment to religious tolerance. This leap has to be seen in connection to Lumen Gentium 16 and Nostra Aetate 2. Finally, the lasting relevance of Dignitatis Humanae is understood in the light of the Council's focused and authentic attention to human needs within a socio-political context which continues to evolve from day to day.