The Mystery Of God (THE-1030-0) Nostra Aetate Summary

Nostra aetate – Summary Theology: the basics

St. John’s University

The Mystery of God (THE-1030-0)

Introduction:
As a text written by the Second Vatican Council and promoted by Pope Paul VI, which
sought to allow relation between Non-Christians and Christians, this document acted as a
response to the spread of anti-semitism and condemnation of Jews for events of the Biblical
period. Archbishop Angelo Roncalli took note of the hatred that this message taught and when he
became Pope, he decided to promote a message that not only redeemed the Jews of these
offenses, but was more inclusive overall. Although controversial at the time, it is easy to see
today why such as message may be necessary. I think that, especially in the Church, where these
kinds of declarations can have such a strong impact on how believers thinks and feel, this
message was indispensable.
Paragraph 1:
This first section discusses the ways in which groups of varying origins and beliefs over
time found a way to put aside their differences and prioritize unity. As it is known that the
Church preaches solidarity and calls on its members to be bound together through love and
devotion, it, too, observes and replicates this underlying urge to unite. In particular, Vincenzo
Carbone’s Vatican Council II: Light for the Church and for the Modern World accentuates the
Church’s readiness to acknowledge people of all cultures, customs and pasts and bring together
all individuals. Here, Carbone introduces a notion that is especially important to this theme of
unity; the announcement declares: “Accordingly the Council alludes to all men and welcomes
them to welcome the light of the Gospel.” This proclamation alludes to the Second Vatican
Council’s position on embracing all individuals who seek to join the Church, regardless of their
background. The Church, it claims, welcomes people of all kinds to partake in God’s grace and
rejoice together in His glory and love.

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