189
Islam enjoy in Western countries! Faced with
disconcerting episodes of violent fundamen-
talism, our respect for true followers of Islam
should lead us to avoid hateful generalisations,
for authentic Islam and the proper reading of the
Koran are opposed to every form of violence.
254.âNon-Christians, by Godâs gracious in-
itiative, when they are faithful to their own
consciences, can live âjustified by the grace of
Godâ,
199
and thus be âassociated to the paschal
mystery of Jesus Christâ.
200
But due to the sac-
ramental dimension of sanctifying grace, Godâs
working in them tends to produce signs and rites,
sacred expressions which in turn bring others to
a communitarian experience of journeying to-
wards God.
201
While these lack the meaning and
efficacy of the sacraments instituted by Christ,
they can be channels which the Holy Spirit raises
up in order to liberate non-Christians from athe-
istic immanentism or from purely individual re-
ligious experiences.
The same Spirit everywhere
brings forth various forms of practical wisdom
which help people to bear suffering and to live
in greater peace and harmony. As Christians,
we can also benefit from these treasures built up
199
âI
nternational
T
heological
C
ommission
,
Christianity
and the World Religions
(1996), 72:
Enchiridion Vaticanum
15, No.
1061.
200
âIbid.
201
âCf. ibid., 81-87:
Enchiridion Vaticanum
15, Nos. 1070-
1076.