Christian attitudes to other religions Flashcards
What are four points?
Pluralism
Inclusivism
Exclusivism
All Christians believe in religious freedom
Pluralism
Pluralist Christians, such as Quakers, accept that all religions are different and promote different views of life and the universe yet they are all valid and equal
Jesus never tried to convert the Jews and he said: “In my father’s house there are many rooms, and I am going to prepare a place for you.”
This quote is thought to mean that there is room for all religions
Inclusivism
HOWEVER (Important to use this word to show how the views differ)
Inclusivist Christians, such as Roman Catholics, believe that while all religions can help people to reach God, Christianity is the only religion with the full truth (other religions only have partial truth)
“The difference between Christianity and the other religions is not basically the difference between truth and error, but between total and partial understanding.” (Bishop Neill)
Exclusivism
HOWEVER
Exclusivist Christians, such as Evangelical Christians, believe that true Christians will go to Heaven and everyone else will be excluded
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
Exclusivist argue that there is no other way to God except through Jesus, which is unlike the beliefs of pluralists and inclusivists
All Christians believe in religious freedom
HOWEVER
All Christians believe in religious freedom; everyone has the right to follow, or not to follow, any religion they wish