The Catholic Concept of Revelation since Vatican II and its Impact on the Christian View of the ‘Other’

The concept of revelation largely forms the backbone of almost all the major religions of the world. Many a religion would perhaps lose any meaning should this concept be tampered with or underrated. As far as the Semitic religions are concerned, their concept of revelation is quite elaborately and systematically discussed. The general notion regarding Hinduism, Buddhism, and some other Far Eastern religions is that they are exceptions to the rule. This notion, however, is born out of an arrogant Semitic attitude towards the non-Semitic religions. It would, therefore, be unfair, even wrong, to restrict revelation to a certain mode or pattern known only to the Semitic religions. The Qur’ān, for instance, says:

“And it is not given to any human that Allah should speak to him unless (it be) by inspiration, or from behind a veil, or (that) He sends a messenger to reveal what He will by His leave.” (42:51).