4.4 The multi-faith society and interfaith relationships

Question 1

3 examples in society of multi-faith societies

Answer 1

1) In London, England there is many different faiths and beliefs. Christians, Budhists, Muslims
2) In Thailand, there is…..
3) In barcelona, there is

Question 2

2 Exclusivist views on interfaith dialogue

Answer 2

1) Restrictive access exclusivists believe that there is no point nor danger in interfaith dialogue because the elect have already been chosen and nothing you do can change that…
2) Universal access exclusivists however believe it is an opportunity to evangelise, Matthew it says “go and make disciples of all nations”. However if this leads you astray from Christianity then it is dangerous. “Do not take them into your house” - John 2 if they are not Christian

Question 3

Inclusivist view on interfaith dialogue

Answer 3

Structural inclusivists say that there is a point in interfaith dialogue because God can be active in other religions, not just Christianity and you can therefore learn more about God from those religions. You should preach the gospel and try and turn people to Christianity through evangelism.

Question 4

Pluralist view on interfaith dialogue

Answer 4

Pluralist view is that interfaith dialogue is completely acceptable and there is no problem in engaging in interfaith dialogue. John Hick uses the analogy of the lamp saying that “it is a different lamp, but its the same light” meaning the ways of getting to the ultimate reality are different but the ultimate reality is the same. Interfaith dialogue helps you find that end goal and prevents interfaith conflict

Question 5

Reply to pluralist view

Answer 5

The lamp isn’t the same In all religions. For example in Buddhism the ultimate aim is eternal non-existence however in Christianity the ultimate aim is eternal existence. These ultimate aims are contradictory and therefore cannot both be true.9