christianity and the challenge of secularisation Flashcards
secular
means concerned with the affairs of this world so not with religious or spiritual matters
humanism
the belief that people can lead good lives without holding religious or superstitious beliefs
secular humanism
reformation impact
pre reformation peoples lives were controlled by the Church
the reformation encouraged a more individualistic approach as religion became more personal and less of something that was imposed by authority
in the eighteenth century the emphasis on reason and evidence and scientific thought further encouraged a more individualistic approach (sigmund freud
materialism karl marx quote
The worker of the world has nothing to lose, but their chains, workers of the world unite.
new testament materialism quote
for the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil
timothy 6 ten
in the time of jesus, wealth was regarded as…
a good thing as it was a sign of gods approval
which parable about materialism
the parable of the rich man and lazarus
Bruderhof
an evangelical christian movement where members live in communities having given up all personal property
The prosperity gospel
a form of evangelical christianity that views wealth, power and status as rewards from God for strong faith and good works
militant atheism
all religion is a bad thing that must be fought against
daniel radcliffe militant atheism quote
“I’m not religious, I’m an atheist, and a militant atheist when religion starts impacting on legislation.”
richard dawkins the god delusion
“The God Delusion” is a book written by Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist and outspoken atheist. In the book, Dawkins critiques religious beliefs, arguing that they are based on unfounded faith rather than empirical evidence
religion is irrational
religion is primitive and has spread like a virus
religion encourages discrimination and is a major cause of conflict
teaching children religion is a form of mental abuse that threatens their development
people can be morally good without religion
McGraths defence of christianity the dawkins delusion
McGrath challenges Dawkins’ assertions, highlighting what he perceives as flaws in Dawkins’ understanding of theology, philosophy, and science
He discusses the relationship between science and religion. He claims that religion and science are “partially overlapping magisteria” as they come at the world from two different but equally valid perspectives, which sometimes intertwine and can be mutually enriching
what does mcgrath accuse dawkins of doing
he accused him of fundamentalism in his unquestioning acceptance of some atheist views. Dawkins is biased in supporting evidence that agrees with his position. This is a very unscientific approach
Fresh Expressions
The Fresh Expressions movement is an initiative within Christianity that seeks to establish new forms of church and worship in contemporary contexts. It emerged in the late 1990s in the Church of England and has since spread to various denominations and countries. Fresh Expressions aims to reach people who may not be traditionally connected to established churches by creating innovative and culturally relevant expressions of Christian community. These expressions can take various forms, such as house churches, café gatherings, arts-based worship, or outdoor events, tailored to meet the needs and interests of specific communities. The movement emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to experiment in order to engage with people and share the Christian faith in a fresh and meaningful way.
The House Church movement
The house church movement is a Christian movement characterized by small gatherings of believers that meet in homes or other non-traditional settings rather than in dedicated church buildings. House churches typically emphasize intimate fellowship, participatory worship, and an emphasis on community and relationship-building. The movement can be traced back to the early days of Christianity when believers met in homes due to persecution or practical reasons. In modern times, the house church movement has experienced a resurgence as an alternative or complementary expression of church life. Advocates of house churches often value a simpler and more organic approach to worship and discipleship, focusing on mutual edification, shared leadership, and a sense of family-like community. The movement is diverse, with variations in structure, practices, and theological beliefs among different house church networks and groups.
Liberationist approaches
start by analysing the situation of the poor or oppressed and then use the gospel to challenge the causes of their poverty and oppression
The preferential option for the poor
The preferential option for the poor is a principle rooted in Catholic social teaching about giving marginalised society the justice that is due to them
summarise how Archbishop Oscar Romero expressed the preferential option for the poor
Archbishop Oscar Romero, the former Archbishop of San Salvador, expressed the preferential option for the poor through his tireless advocacy for the marginalized and oppressed in El Salvador. He used his position and voice to speak out against social injustice, violence, and poverty, particularly during a time of political turmoil in the country. Romero strongly denounced the government’s human rights abuses and called for an end to the violence perpetrated against the poor and marginalized. He defended the rights of the poor, championed their dignity, and demanded structural changes to address the systemic causes of poverty and inequality. Romero’s commitment to the preferential option for the poor ultimately cost him his life, as he was assassinated in 1980 for his outspoken defense of human rights. His courageous witness and martyrdom continue to inspire others to advocate for justice and stand in solidarity with the poor.
British response to poverty
In the late 20th century several reports showing high levels of poverty and deprivation were published including “faith in the city” by the Church of England
As a result of “Faith in the City”, the Church of England set up the Church Urban Fund, which gave grants to both secular and religious organisations to tackle the problem
