20
missionaries and theologians assumed more than they should have about the salvific value of
other religions. DIs condemnation of soteriological pluralism is expressed by a restatement of
the uniqueness of Christ as the one mediator of salvation and of the completeness of Gods
salvific revelation in Christ. Any teaching which suggests that the revelation of God in Christ is
incomplete or can be merely complimentary to that found in another religion is condemned.
Jesus is not ". . . one of the many faces which the Logos has assumed in the course of time to
communicate with humanity in a salvific way."
40
He is the exclusive salvific revelation of God.
Catholic theologian Killian McDonnell sums up the uniqueness of Christ in DI this way: ". . .
Since there is only One Mediator between God and humanity, anyone who is saved is saved
through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. . . . The bottom line: no bypassing the death
and resurrection of the unique, universal, absolute Mediator. No relativism."
41
Beyond the obvious importance of affirming the uniqueness of Christ and rejecting
religious pluralism, this aspect of DI also provides a strong, positive reminder of the fact that
authentic inter-religious dialogue, from a Christian perspective, must rest on the fundamental
Christian doctrines, especially the centrality of Jesus Christ. Catholic theologian John Ford
comments: ". . . Dominus Iesus may be seen as a challenge to bring ecumenical discussions to a
deeper and more spiritual level, rather than to rest content with finding the least common
denominator for agreement among Christians."
42
On the issue of dialogue with Evangelicals, DI
is both helpful and discouraging. The single most fruitful arena of Evangelical/Catholic dialogue
is Christology. Our common commitment to the centrality of the person and work of Christ is
the most solid foundation we have for spiritual unity. Conversely, the strong reaffirmation of the
40
Dominus Iesus 9.
41
McDonnell, Killian. "Imperial Claims?" The Christian Century (Oct 18, 2000): 1040.
42
Ford, John T. "Dominus Iesus: Retrenchment or Reminder?" Ecumenical Trends (December 2000) 10.