Provincialism versus recognition of the redemptive

The second lecture in Thomas’ collection is entitled “Christian and NonChristian Revelation” and does give explicit content to a lingering religious provincialism in both Tillich’s personal perspective and in the wider theological and religious environment of that time. It was delivered at Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, October 27, 1961. (Tillich 1990b: 59–74) In this lecture Tillich wastes little time in moving to the issue of theological provincialism and to its content. Tillich spells out three forms of Christian theological provincialism which in the context he obviously thinks are still extant in the contemporary theological climate and in need of being brought to an end in the interests of religious dialogue. The first is the most all encompassing. It is simply designated “Christian provincialism” and in context means the denial of the redemptive efficacy of non-Christian religions. (Tillich 1990b: 60) The defeat of this provincialism would recognize the salvific validity of other religions and deny to Christianity its traditional claim to a culminating ultimacy and salvific capacity to which all other religions were ordered and to which they would submit. The defeat of this provincialism would obviously negate the claim of any religion to possess an exclusive or even superior means of redemption than that to be found in another. In effect, at this late date, 1961, Tillich is still fighting the doctrine of “extra ecclesia, nulla salus”, or “Outside of the church no salvation”. In amplifying this point Tillich argues that meeting members of other faith positions corrodes the narrow-mindedness of both Christian layman and theologian, a remark probably inspired, at least in part, by his dialogue with Hisamatsu Shin’ichi and by his travels in the East. (Tillich 1990b: 60, 61) --- John P. Dourley