Christianity: Migration and Religious Pluralism Flashcards
Give example of key events in history that have contributed to multiculturalism in the UK
- After the war, several Eastern European people migrated to the UK
- In 1947, India gained independence and Indians and Pakistanis began to migrate to the UK, continuing to do so over the next few decades
- In the 50s, immigration from the Caribbean countries (Windrush) and Hong Kong was encouraged by the Government due to labour shortages
- Various wars in recent years have caused an increase in refugees coming to the UK: the Somalian Civil War, the Balkan Conflict and the Syrian Civil War etc.
What attitudes were expressed in Enoch Powell’s ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech?
- Very critical of migration
- Saw migrants as ‘dependents’ that took advantage of the country without contributing themselves
- Saw immigration as a problem that would only grow. Likened it to “watching a nation busily engaged in heaping up its own funeral pyre”.
Why could be multiculturalism be seen as ineffective/disadvantageous?
- An influx of new cultures is seen to threaten national values, and therefore national identity, and a minority of people in power believe this e.g. politicians with similar views to Enoch Powell
- There is a continuing conflict between some cultural practices and laws in the UK e.g. FGM or forced marriage - the law may be seen to limit cultural freedoms
- If there is a variety of cultures considered separate but equal, society could lack cohesion if there is no common sense of identity
- If a group does not assimilate to the host country’s culture, they may be isolated and become the target of discrimination
- Culture and religion are often intertwined, but this cannot work with multiculturalist views: the fundamental basis of religion is that each one is the ‘best’ way to achieve rewards in this life and the next, and multiculturalism assumes that all cultures are equal. –> Works for practices, not beliefs
Why could multiculturalism be seen as effective/advantageous?
- Freedom of religious expression (which is an important aspect of multiculturalism) is written into British law in the form of the Human Rights Act of 1988 – this additionally references the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- The majority opinion of multiculturalism is positive - it allows for increased respect and tolerance of others, and creates a rich and diverse society that promotes equality in several sectors (e.g. education, law, employment)
- There are several established examples of thriving cultural centres in the UK, such as Manchester’s Chinatown
- There are a vast variety of religious groups in the UK according to the 2011 census, and all minority group membership has increased since 2001 with little to no conflict.
Give examples of how Christians interact positively with other faiths
They may share Christian celebrations/festivals with people of other faiths, or partake in other faiths’ festivals
E.g. A Christian may invite all faiths to an Easter celebration, or they may be involved in the Diwali festival with Hindu friends.
Why may reason not be an acceptable way to examine belief?
- A religious person may not accept that reason and evidence used to evaluate religious claims takes precedent over authority and experience - in this way, all religions are self-validating to believers
- Humans have a strong psychological need for certainty, and religions fulfil this need - especially true for fundamentalism
- Could a believer ever be open to the idea that their beliefs could/should be scrutinised? Could an atheist?
Define Exclusivism
The belief that salvation is only possible through following Christian teachings, traditions and practices, especially concerning Jesus as the Son of God.
Because of this, all other religions are seen to be wrong and excluded from salvation as they cannot have that unique relationship with Jesus.
Define the two types of Inclusivism
- Closed Inclusivism - Christianity is the one true religion, but other religions share aspects of this truth through similarities.
- Open Inclusivism - Christianity has the best grasp of religious truth, but other religions have truth as well, so they can be learnt from.
Give two Bible passages that support exclusivism
- John 14:6 –> “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes the the Father except through me.” (Also supports the central importance of evangelism)
- John 3:16 –> “…Whoever believes in [Jesus] should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
- Romans 10:13 –> “For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved”
Give two Bible passages that support inclusivism
- Romans 2:9-11 –> “…Glory, honour and peace for everyone who does good; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favouritism.”
- “In my Father’s house there are many rooms”
- Acts 14:16-17 –> “In the past He let all nations go their own way. Yet He has not left Himself without testimony…He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”
What two exceptions do exclusivists make in their views on salvation?
- If a child dies before they are old enough to make the commitment to Jesus and Christian life, God’s mercy saves them.
- If someone has never heard, or had reason to hear, about Jesus/Christianity, they will be judged based on how far they lived in accordance to the natural moral laws in the universe.
THESE EXCEPTIONS DO NOT APPLY TO FUNDAMENTALISTS
What was the significance of Vatican II for Catholic attitudes towards other faiths and denominations?
- Before Vatican II, the Catholics had a staunch exclusivist view of other faiths, claiming that there was no salvation outside the Church.
- Vatican II changed that in 1995 by promoting a more positive, closed inclusivist view instead
- Catholicism is the one true faith, but other faiths are able to find Jesus in other ways, and dialogues are encouraged
What arguments can be made against exclusivism?
- Exclusivism limits God’s attributes and capabilities - saying that only one select groups of people is chosen for salvation contradicts God’s omnibenevolence and omnipotence (as God should be perfectly capable of acting through other religions)
- Exclusivism is based on a specific interpretation of the Bible - this view is based on a literal view of scripture that may not be correct. It is important to also consider the context of the passages and why they were written, meaning that exclusivist claims cannot be founded securely on the Bible.
- The argument based on John 14:6 is circular - the New Testament was written and edited by members of the Early Church, so it likely reflects their own belief rather than objective commands/comments made by Jesus
What was Karl Barth’s view of who received salvation?
- Inclusivist
- Human nature is fundamentally flawed by the Fall for all people, regardless of religion
- This means that all humans completely dependent on God for salvation - religion is essentially made ineffective
Who proposed the idea of ‘Anonymous Christians’?
Karl Rahner
