Christianity and pluralism

Question 1

Why did christians starts studying other rleigiouson

Answer 1

To better understand and convert followers of other beliefs.

Question 2

exclusivism

Answer 2

Only Christianity is right, all other religions are false.
Only Christianity leads to salvation.

Question 3

inclusivism

Answer 3

Other religions have some truth, but only Christianity is fully correct.

Question 4

pluralism

Answer 4

All religions are equally valid, speaking metaphorically about the same divine truth.

Question 6

problems with a potential pluralist society

Answer 6

Conflict over moral norms
Laws like marriage still shaped by Christian tradition
Tension between secular government and religious expectations

Question 7

exoteric vs esoteric language

Answer 7

Exoteric: Surface teachings, often different (e.g. rituals, laws).
Esoteric: Core shared truths (e.g. love, compassion, oneness with the divine).

Question 8

what does Hick say all religions are observing

Answer 8

They are all reaching toward the same ‘Real’ or God, using different metaphors.

Question 9

how does Hick use Wittgenstein’s ladder

Answer 9

Exoteric teachings (rules, rituals) are a first step toward understanding the universal truth behind religions.

Question 10

what does Hick believe about religion language

Answer 10

Religious differences are exoteric (outer layer) and metaphorical – all religions aim at the same esoteric truth.