Evaluation and Prospects for the Study of ‘Jesus Christ as the Sole Mediator of Salvation’ : Focusing on the Context of Asia and Korea

“Why is Christ the sole mediator of salvation?” This paper aims to critically examine this question and probe an answer. The consistent profession of Christian faith regarding the uniqueness and universality of salvation mediated through Christ leads to tensions in the context of the contemporary multi-religious environment and inter-religious dialogue. This paper does not merely defend this statement from an apologetic perspective but intends to critically examine the theological positioning of the question, highlight new issues arising from the unique contexts of Asia and Korea, and explore potential answers. First, this paper outlines the changes in the Catholic Church's attitudes toward other religions since the Second Vatican Council, along with the evolving theological questions that have emerged thereof. This allows us to have a close look at the Church's official position on the uniqueness and universality of salvation through Christ, explore various theological efforts, and assess the current state of the issue in the context of inter-religious dialogue. Next, this paper examines how the issues of inter-religious dialogue and religious pluralism arise in the religious context of Asia, particularly in Korea, and intends to identify their unique characteristics. The purpose of this is to explore the ways to navigate inculturation and inter-religious dialogue in the face of challenges such as religious relativism, syncretism, and 'religious double belonging.' Specifically, this paper proposes new solutions by examining recent studies on the concept of ‘natural knowledge of God.’ The final chapter proposes a new way of presenting the uniqueness and universality of salvation through Christ within Asia's multi-religious context, using the concept of mercy (misericordia), which can be understood in terms of empathy and compassion. This chapter particularly draws on Cardinal Kasper's theology of mercy and Keenan's theological reflections on vulnerability. It shows how mercy, understood in terms of vulnerability, can renew Christian identity in a multi-religious context, promote dialogue and encounter with other religions, and inspire participation in the journey toward a better world. Furthermore, it seeks to clarify how the uniqueness and universality of salvation through Christ can establish a healthy and critical relationship with other religions without preventing conversations with them or resorting to syncretism. A reflection on Pope Francis' pastoral approach to mercy provides an opportunity to clarify the assumption presented in this paper.