Expressions on the Margins of Christian Faith: Reflections from Theology

Abstract

The article offers a theological reflection on religious expressions that are considered on the margins of Christian faith. It begins by posing the question of whether Catholic theology should study these religious manifestations. The Incarnation of the Word plays a crucial role in this, providing a foundation for understanding God's presence and salvation throughout history, even in expressions of faith that fall outside the Christian context. Subsequently, the article proposes a methodological approach based on the semiotic model developed by Robert Schreiter, which views culture as a system of significant symbols and recognizes culture's importance as a site of revelation. Additionally, it suggests integrating Greimassian semiotics as a tool for deeper analysis of the meaning systems present in religious expressions beyond the Christian faith. Finally, the article invites further reflection on how the outcomes of this 'listening' exercise can be incorporated into authentic dialogue with Christian Revelation.