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Original scientific paper

Th e Misuse of History through Religious Exclusiveness as a Major Obstacle to the Transmission of the Gospel

Dragutin Matak ; Adriatic Union College


Full text: croatian pdf 99 Kb

page 89-100

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Full text: english pdf 430 Kb

page 89-100

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Abstract

History is the backbone of life’s reality because it protects us from imaginary, mystical and hypothetical reconstructions. Because of that God revealed Himself in history. However, this noble place of history in spiritual experience is undermined by its misuse through religious exclusiveness. Historical data is manipulated to provide false presumptions which support an identity of separation from others. In this paper we will briefl y point out to some examples of Christian religious exclusiveness which are the obstacle to translatability of the Gospel to the world. Finally, we conclude that the historical facts will always remain elements of identity, but they should never be idolized. Th e main ingredient of a balanced religious identity and mission is theological and not historical in nature. In such a frame of mind, creating the culture of regarding every human being as a part of human family with the same Parents, the Gospel is naturally and effi ciently communicated.

Keywords

religious exclusiveness; transmission of the gospel; Christian mission; Jews; Catholics; Protestants; Adventists

Hrčak ID:

140770

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/140770

Publication date:

18.9.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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