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In our time, when day by day mankind is being drawn closer
together, and the ties between different peoples are becoming
stronger, the Church examines more closely he relationship to non-
Christian religions. In her task of promoting unity and love among
men, indeed among nations, she considers above all in this declaration
what men have in common and what draws them to fellowship.
One is the community of all peoples, one their origin, for God made
the whole human race to live over the face of the earth.[1] One
also is their final goal, God. His providence, His manifestations
of goodness, His saving design extend to all men,[2] until that
time when the elect will be united in the Holy City, the city ablaze
with the glory of God, where the nations will walk in His
light.[3]
Men expect from the various religions answers to the unsolved riddles
of the human condition, which today, even as in former times, deeply
stir the hearts of men: What is man? What is the meaning, the aim
of our life? What is moral good, what sin? Whence suffering and
what purpose does it serve? Which is the road to true happiness?
What are death, judgment and retribution after death? What,
finally, is that ultimate inexpressible mystery which encompasses our
existence: whence do we come, and where are we going?
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