DCT - Religious Pluralism and Society

Question 1

Why is Britain a multi-faith society?

Answer 1

because it is a multi-cultural one.

Question 2

What is culture?

Answer 2

Culture is an umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups.

Question 3

Why does culture affect the religious landscape?

Answer 3

Each cultural group features has had a huge impact on the cultural landscape of Britain, and therefore the religious landscape too.

Question 4

How is globalization used, economically and socially?

Answer 4

• Globalisation is used in a variety of ways, both negatively and positively
• Economically, it is often used to refer to the ease of cross-border transactions and de-regularisation of trade restrictions between countries
• Socially, as scholar Manfred Steger suggests, it describes the way in which human lifestyles, consciousness and fashions can influence each other from one side of the globe to the other

Question 5

Manfred B Steger Globalization quote

Answer 5

“Globalisation refers to the expansion and intensification of social relations and consciousness across world-time and world-space.” Manfred B. Steger in Globalisation: A Very Short Introduction

Question 6

What is a result of globalizations, in terms of religion?

Answer 6

• As a result of globalisation, religious knowledge and belief systems are not isolated to particular cultures and geographical locations but are encountered locally

Question 7

WHat has happened since the enlightenment period?

Answer 7

• Since the Enlightenment Period, there has been more of a societal emphasis on tolerance and human rights
• Since the 18th century western societies have developed values based on human reason and experience on not on religion and or revealed knowledge
• Post-Enlightenment societies have established what Steven Pinker has called the ‘humanitarian principle’, the proposal that humans get on better when each person considers the interests of others
• A key point of the Enlightenment period was not to judge a person’s particular lifestyle unless it is being harmful in some way

Question 8

How did reliion change after the enlightenment period? What issues does this cause?

Answer 8

• Western societies as a whole therefore regard the place of religion in society as a personal lifestyle choice, as it is not for society to distinguish the truth of religions if they contribute to society in a positive way
• This may cause issues for some however, since following a religious tradition is not just about certain cultural rituals, but also about adopting religious truths
• The practical challenges that result from a multi-faith society and the dialogue that occurs within it is how to balance tolerance of diverse religious practice and retain the integrity of the beliefs

Question 9

Why does migration occur?

Answer 9

• Migration may occur for a number of reasons, including economic improvement, unification of family and safety

Question 10

What problems does migration pose?

Answer 10

• Aside from the political and social effects, migration poses many challenges
o For example, established Christian communities can no longer assume they are the primary provider of religious needs

• Until recently religious leadership was by default Christian- and that gave the Churches certain power and status in their communities- but migrants may look to faith leaders from their own traditions for guidance and authority

Question 11

Define inter-faith dialogue

Answer 11

Cooperative, constructive, and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions

Question 12

To what extent do you think you can compare the Roman Empire to Mutli-Cultural, Multi-Faith Britain?

Answer 12

• Some Scholars argue that in some ways the cultural ‘melting-pot’ of Britain today echoes the position Christians found themselves in after the death of Chris t and before the Roman Empire became Christian
• The period when the books and letter of the New Testament were written was one in which Christian faced execution by Romans and Jews
• In addition to this, Christians had to fight for an identity in the religiously plural societies of Asia Minor, Rome, and Greece
• Without any political power the Christian communities had to negotiate with their neighbors of different faiths in their social and spiritual day to day existence

Question 13

Major areas of weakness for the idea that ancient Rome reflects modern Britain in terms of the melting pot of religion –

Answer 13

• Church of England has huge influence regarding the state
• 26 Bishops of the Church of England sit in the House of Lords
• They read prayers at the start of each daily meeting and play a full and active role in the life and work of the Houses of Parliament

Question 14

What is ‘other’?

Answer 14

• The word ‘other’ has a wide range of meaning and use but it has a very useful part to play in developing the purpose of contemporary inter-faith dialogue
• Although ‘other’ is often used negatively, it may also be used positively to acknowledge that there exists multiple interpretations of the world

Question 15

Christian Response to Multi-Faith Britain

Answer 15

• One of the important aims of inter-faith dialogue is to overcome the negative form of ‘othering’ and to understand other cultural and religious points of view
• As its most optimistic, Christian engagement with inter-faith dialogue hopes to overcome the prejudices which are often the causes of racism, sexism, violence, and war

Question 16

Define evangelization

Answer 16

The commitment to or an act of publicly preaching the Gospel with the intention to promote the message and teachings of Jesus Christ

Question 17

Christian Approaches to Inter-Faith Dialogue: Religious Exclusivism

Answer 17

• Exclusivists may participate in inter-faith dialogue in order to introduce others to the gospel with the hope of conversion (fides ex auditu)
• As it is not possible to know how the elect is and who is not, then for them it is a Christian duty to use all opportunities to bring people into direct contact with Christianity
• If this objective is clearly understood by other non-Christians, then dialogue is possible

Question 18

Christian Approaches to Inter-Faith Dialogue: Religious Inclusivism

Answer 18

• Inclusivists may use the opportunity of inter-faith dialogue to address Christianity’s power and develop open discussion that is not competitive
• This doesn’t mean to say that those involved in dialogue may not make critical judgements from their own faith perspective
• If this didn’t happen then the integrity of the religion would be reduced

Question 19

Karl Rahner inclusivist quote about inter-faith dialogue

Answer 19

“tolerant, humble and yet firm towards all non-Christian religions.”

Question 20

Christian Approaches to Inter-Faith Dialogue: Religious Pluralism

Answer 20

• Many religious pluralists would argue that as religious truth is multi-faceted then dialogue with the ‘other’ becomes a genuine quest to enhance one’s own spiritual view of the world
• The theologian Keith Ward argues that inter-faith dialogue is a significant aid in developing what he refers to as a ‘global faith’

Question 21

Keith Ward pluralist quote about interfaith dialogue

Answer 21

‘In this way, different traditions may have much to learn from each other…’

Question 22

Catholic and Anglican Approach to Interfaith Dialogue and Evangelism

Answer 22

• Christian Churches have set up different meetings and official organizations which aim to promote exchanges of ideas between the Church and other faith traditions
• The Catholic and Anglican traditions similarly have two main frameworks to work in regarding inter-faith dialogue and evangelism

Question 23

WHat does it mean that Christiniaty is not a commodity?

Answer 23

• The Church sees what it has as a gift from God, and as a gift it is the responsibility of the Church to share it with others
• The Church of England’s report on Interfaith dialogue says, “Christ’s saving work is not a commodity to be sold but a gift to be shared”
• This means that the Church is not trying to sell a product, it sees itself as sharing good news, the unique Good News that Christ is the Incarnate World

Question 24

What does it mean that there is much to value, respect, and admire in other faith traditions?

Answer 24

• There is much to value, respect and admire in other faith traditions
• There is much that is true, hold, and precious

Question 25

On value, respect, and admire in other faith traditions, - The Catholic Declaration on the Church’s relation to other faiths, Nostra Actate says what?

Answer 25

o “The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in [other religions]. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings which, though differing in many respects from the ones she holds and set forth, nonetheless often reflects a ray of Truth which enlightens all men.” (Paragraph 2)

Question 26

What is Redemptoris Missio

Answer 26

An encyclical published in 1990 by Pope John Paul II on the subject of how the Church should evangelize people

Question 27

the Catholic Church sees part of its mission in relation to other faiths as respectful and sensitive evangelization, explain this

Answer 27

• First, the Church sees part of its mission in relation to other faiths as respectful and sensitive evangelization
• It sees itself as having some good news to share, amazing news that other religions do not necessarily know about
• The news is that God becomes man and dies to save all people (including those of other religions) on the cross

Question 28

Finish the equote from Redemptoris Missio, ‘inter-religious dialogue is part of …

Answer 28

… the Church’s evangelizing mission … salvation comes from Christ and that dialogue does not dispense with evangelization.’

Question 29

What does Redemptoris Missio mean?

Answer 29

The Mission of the Redeemer

Question 30

The Catholic Church believes the good news is not all one way, what does this mean?

Answer 30

• Secondly, the Good News is not all one way
• Christians need to recognize other religions contain truth as well, and the Church needs to listen as well as talk – this is, after all, what dialogue means (two-way talk)

Question 31

Finish the equote from Redemptoris Missio, ‘Other religions constitute a positive …

Answer 31

… challenge for the Church … those engaged in this dialogue must be consistent with their own faith traditions and convictions and be open to understanding those of the other party without pretense or close-mindedness, but with truth, humility, and frankness’

Question 32

Quote from Redemptoris Missio explaining the mission of Christ is not finished

Answer 32

‘This mission is still only beginning and that we must commit ourselves wholeheartedly to its service.’

Question 33

1 Corinthians 9:16

Answer 33

“For if I preach the Gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!”

Question 34

Explain the catholic viewpoint that the mission of christ is not finished

Answer 34

Catholics need to commit themselves to the Church’s mission

Catholics have a role in evangelising

Missionary work is the work of God. The second Vatican council reminded Catholics of this

Question 35

Quote from Redemptoris Missio explaining the Missionary Work has Already had Many Successes since the 2nd Vatican Council

Answer 35

‘The Council has already borne much fruit in the realm of missionary activity. There has been an increase of local churches with their own bishops, clergy, and workers in the apostolate. The presence of Christian communities is more evident in the life of nations, and communion between the churches has led to a lively exchange of spiritual benefits and gifts.’

‘Missionary activity is a matter for all Christians, for all dioceses and parishes, Church institutions and associations.’

‘For in the Church’s history, missionary drive has always been a sign of vitality, just as its lessening is a sign of a crisis of faith.’

‘For missionary activity renews the Church, revitalizes faith and Christian identity, and offers fresh enthusiasm and new incentive. Faith is strengthened when it is given to others! It is in commitment to the Church’s universal mission that the new evangelization of Christian peoples will find inspiration and support.’

‘All of this has but one purpose: to serve man by revealing to him the love of God made manifest in Jesus Christ.’

Question 36

Explain the catholic viewpoint that Missionary Work has Already had Many Successes since the 2nd Vatican Council

Answer 36

The second Vatican council has been successful in missionary work

There has been an increase in members of the Church

The Catholic Church is evolving to include more roles for the laity

All Catholics have a role to play in the Church’s mission

The evangelising missions to non-Christians is on the decrease

Question 37

Quote from Redemptoris Missio explaining the All People Should Open their Doors to Christ

Answer 37

‘Peoples everywhere, open the doors to Christ! His Gospel in no way detracts from man’s freedom, from the respect that is owed to every culture and to whatever is good in each religion. By accepting Christ, you open yourselves to the definitive Word of God, to the One in whom God has made himself fully known and has shown us the path to himself.’

‘When we consider this immense portion of humanity which is loved by the Father and for whom he sent his Son, the urgency of the Church’s mission is obvious.’

‘No believer in Christ, no institution of the Church can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all peoples.’

Question 38

Mark 1:15-17

Answer 38

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him…”

Question 39

Key Teachings from Repemptoris Missio: The Mission of Christ is not Finished

Answer 39

• The evangelising mission of Jesus is not complete.
• In our modern world, all members of the Church should commit themselves to serving Christ’s mission.
• The Holy Spirit tells us to proclaim the great works of God. “For if I preach the Gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Cor 9: 16)
• The Second Vatican Council of the 1960’s wanted to renew the Church’s evangelising mission in light of the needs of the modern world.
• The Council emphasised the Church’s missionary nature.

Question 40

Key Teachings from Repemprotis Missio: Missionary Work has Already had Many Successes Since the 2nd Vatican Council

Answer 40

• As a result of the Second Vatican Council, there has already been great successes in missionary work within the modern world.
• There has been lots of positive activity in all aspects of the Church. Many churches are willing to meet with members of other Christian churches and other religions.
• Above all, there is a new awareness that missionary activity is a matter for all Christians, for all dioceses and parishes, Church institutions and associations.
• The Church’s missionary work has diminished however, and there is a cause of concern. When missionary work declines, so does the strength of the faith.
• Faith is strengthened when it is given to others! It is in commitment to the Church’s universal mission that the new evangelisation of Christian peoples will find inspiration and support.
• Redemptoris Missio was written to address a number of issues and challenges for the Church, but most importantly to show that the ultimate purpose of evangelism is to serve man by revealing to him the love of God made manifest in Jesus Christ.

Question 41

Key Teachings from Repemptoris Missio: All People Should Open Their Doors to Christ

Answer 41

• Accepting Christ is not something that undermines a person’s culture or the religious truth of non-Christians. It is a way to make yourself open to God’s wisdom.
• The number of those who do not know Christ and do not belong to the Church is constantly on the increase.
• Therefore, the Church’s mission is an urgent and important mission.
• In order to help the Church do this, our modern world has presented us with opportunities. The collapse of oppressive ideologies and political systems and the globalisation of our international community have made it easier to communicate the Gospel.
• God is opening before the Church the horizons of a humanity more fully prepared for the sowing of the Gospel. I sense that the moment has come to commit all of the Church’s energies to a new evangelisation and to the mission ad gentes. (ad gentes means to the nations)
• No believer in Christ, no institution of the Church can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all peoples

Question 42

What is Sharing the Gospel of Salvation?

Answer 42

A document produced by the CoE in 2010 on how Anglican Christians should share their faith with others

Question 43

Finish the CoE quote from 2010, “There is often a gap between the great …

Answer 43

… declarations of Christian doctrine and the practical outworking belief in the daily discipleship of Christian men and women and the communities they create and inhabit.”

Question 44

Context of Sharing the Gospel of Salvation

Answer 44

• Following a debate in February 2009, the General Synod asked the House of Bishops to produce a report on “their understanding of the uniqueness of Christ in Britain’s multi-faith society [and to include] examples and commendations of good practice in sharing the gospel of salvation through Christ alone with people of other faiths and of none”
• A small group led by the Bishop of Willesden, the Rt Revd Pete Broadbent, drafted the document, which was subsequently commended by the House of Bishops

Question 45

State a quote or two from Sharing the Gospel of Salvation

Answer 45

The Church in every age must give close attention to how it lives as a neighbour amongst others.
Our society is also acutely alert to instances of the abuse of power, and this sensitivity is greatly to be welcomed. It also makes us – rightly – alert to abuses of power perpetrated by Christians in the past, as well as to the social inequalities which make people vulnerable to the power of others today.
The fear of getting it wrong should never obscure the Christian’s commitment to the good of all and to making Christ the centrepiece of that good.
Christ’s saving work is not a commodity to be sold but a gift to be shared… When our encounters with our neighbours, of other faiths and none, are distinguished from exercises in salesmanship, we can be confident that we are sharing God’s love rather than marketing another lifestyle choice.
Because God loves all His people, encounters begin with respect for the other.
This we do, not in order to win favour for ourselves, nor to make others more like us, but simply because we want to share God’s gifts as we have received them – freely and unearned.
Together, as the Church, we seek to live more like Christ, offering ourselves wholly and selflessly in pursuit of the good of all.

Question 46

What are some teachings from Sharing the Gospel of Salvation

Answer 46

The Church is responsible for the care of all people, not just Christians.
The Church needs to recognise the faults of Christianity in the past and work to resolve the inequalities of today’s society.
People may make mistakes when evangelising but that does not mean it should be discouraged.
Christ is the Truth, and should not be sold as a lifestyle choice. People should want to hear the Gospel, not feel forced too.
Gospel values start with respect for others.
Sharing the Gospel should be the reward in itself.
Ultimately Christians should aim to become more like Christ.

Question 47

Catholics VS Anglican on Interfaith Dialogue (similarities and differences)

Answer 47

Similarities:
Christianity is not to be ‘sold’ as a product
Promotes the significance of evangelism
Both emphasizes sensitivity in speaking with other faiths
Catholic:
Redemptoris Missio (1990)
Highlights the significance of the Second Vatican Council
International document
Anglican:
Sharing the Gospel of Salvation (2010)
Emphasises that Christianity must be accountable for historical issues
Specifically focused on interfaith dialogue in England and Wales

Question 48

Define social cohesion

Answer 48

A common vision and a sense of belonging for all communities

Question 49

What is the bigger picture of social cohesion?

Answer 49

• Social cohesion is when people willingly work and cooperate despite the existing differences in their demeanour, culture, and beliefs
• Social cohesion results in long-term progression where people can live in an inclusive society with stable social policies

Question 50

How can we build social cohesion in our communities?

Answer 50

• Get your local government ready
• Engage the community to understand the issues
• Build long term partnerships
• Take place based, targeted action
• Evaluate and share outcomes

Question 51

How does interfaith dialogue promote community cohesion?

Answer 51

• Religious leaders of minority groups can influence people to get involved with programmes that promote social cohesion
• Having a religious perspective often gives further insight into the culture context of a community as a whole
• Even when interfaith dialogue is only limited to a certain area or town the impact is long-lasting and powerful
• Interfaith dialogue allows people to share differences in a safe space, this in turn will lead to further awareness and tolerance in the wider community

Question 52

What is social cohesion?

Answer 52

Social Cohesion: A common vision and a sense of belonging for all communities

Question 53

How does interfaith dialogue promote community cohesion?

Answer 53

• Religious leaders of minority groups can influence people to get involved with programmes that promote social cohesion
• Even when interfaith dialogue is only limited to a certain are or town the impact is long-lasting and powerful
• Having a religious perspective often gives further insight into the cultural context of a community as a whole
• Interfaith dialogue allows people to share differences in a safe space, this in turn will lead to further awareness and tolerance in the wider community

Question 54

Limitations of Interfaith Dialogue

Answer 54

1. It is very difficult to measure its impact. Relationships are incredibly hard to quantify, and can change and evolve, therefore it is difficult to say that it has been successful.
2. It has limited success with more conservative religious leaders. Dialogue only occurs when there is a willingness to participate, and some religious leaders may regard inter-faith work as a sign of weakness or a lack of commitment to religious truth.
   Nevertheless, in light of the rise of religious fundamentalism and extremism, Inter-faith dialogue has never been more important to social cohesion. Those who have adopted a fundamentalist approach to religious truth have more often than not experienced some kind of discrimination in the community, which is why they may be reluctant to engage. If Inter-faith Dialogue is not working in an area, it can be argued that the method being employed is the issue, not the motivations behind it.

Question 55

What is the scriptural reasoning movement?

Answer 55

• A practice in which Christians, Jews, Muslims, and sometimes members of other faiths, meet to study their sacred scriptures together.
• This was first attempted by Jewish theologian Peter Ochs and David Ford in the 1990’s as an academic practice. Nowadays, it has evolved to be used by communities as a way to produce Inter-faith Dialogue.

Question 56

Key Features of Scriptural Reasoning

Answer 56

• SR does not ask participants from different faith traditions to focus upon areas in which they are most nearly in agreement
• SR sessions often highlight and explore differences and disagreements
• SR does not assume any consensus between the participants
• SR is said to rely upon the existence of honesty, openness, and trust amongst the participants
• In order to encourage these relationships, meeting in neutral academic spaces such as universities, or by rotating between the houses of worship of different faiths is encouraged

Question 57

Method of Scriptural Reasoning

Answer 57

At each meeting there is a particular sequence of events:

1. Participants identify a theme
2. Each faith community selects a short passage from their scripture
3. Participants meet in small groups and one at a time, each passage of scripture is read out loud to the rest of the group
4. Organised by a facilitator, participants then discuss the passages one at a time

Question 58

Aims of Scriptural Reasoning

Answer 58

At these meetings, the aim is twofold:

1. To learn and understand the traditions and beliefs of others.
2. To help each faith tradition to understand its own faith better.

Question 59

Criticisms of the Scriptural Reasoning Movement

Answer 59

• Theologian Adrian Thatcher has questioned whether Scriptural Reasoning ignores theological differences in the way the three traditions approach their respective Scriptures, noting especially “the rareness of references to Jesus Christ” in the essays in The Promise of Scriptural Reasoning (Ford and Pecknold 2006), and asking whether this “may indicate … the further loss of Christocentric biblical interpretation.” This is known as relativising religious belief.
• As every member represents themselves and is not an official voice of their religion there is a danger that their perspective is seen as the only perspective.
• Who decides when an interpretation is unreasonable or unsupported? Especially in the cases where this is a community effort rather than an academic one. Since all are treated as equal, even unreasonable views would have to be tolerated.
• Many question whether SR can be extended to non-Abrahamic faiths such as Buddhism and Hinduism which have very different origins, textual traditions, and interpretation.
• Since all scripture must be treated as equally valid, it seems impossible to suggest that religious exclusivists would be able to conduct in SR fully.

Question 60

What is relativism?

Answer 60

Relativism is the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute.

Question 61

SR does relativize religious belief - contradictory

Answer 61

Seems that it is impossible to say contradictory claims are both true e.g. Jesus- son of God (Christianity), Prophet Isa (Islam). One claim must be wrong.

Question 62

SR does relativize religious belief - absolute

Answer 62

Most people would respond that truth is absolute, not relative. If it says P in the Bible and the complete opposite (not-P) in the Qur’an, then, one of the books is wrong. There has to be some kind of absolute truth.

Question 63

SR does relativize religious belief - equally important

Answer 63

SR could relativise religious beliefs because the methods require that all points be treated as equally important. For many religious exclusivists, this would be regarded as surrendering belief for the sake of tolerance.

Question 64

SR does not relativize religious belief - maintain views

Answer 64

SRM claim they don’t relativise religious belief but learn to disagree better. People can maintain their views on what they see as absolutely true.

Question 65

SR does not relativize religious belief - contradictions

Answer 65

The number of straight-forward, obvious contradictions between the scriptures themselves are actually very difficult to find. The number of agreements vastly outweigh the number of disagreements. And even where there might be apparent disagreements those at the scripture reasoning meeting will try to find some point of agreement beneath the surface, some reason why there is apparent disagreement.

Question 66

SR does not relativize religious belief - truth

Answer 66

Truth is not relative for SR; it is just sometimes very difficult to put into words. And all faiths would agree with the view that it is impossible to adequately capture the mystery of God in words.

Question 67

Multi-Faith Society strengths

Answer 67

• Greater tolerance and understanding of the beliefs of others
• Varied and rich cultural life from experiencing the religious and traditions of others
• Better understanding of different viewpoints
• New ways of living and enjoying life

Question 68

Multi-Faith Society weaknesses

Answer 68

• It is not always easy to be open and understand other people’s views
• There have been examples of religious persecution and hatred
• Religious tension
• Beliefs and values of some groups may be ignored

Question 69

What is the siege of jerusalem?

Answer 69

• In 1099 Christians set out to reclaim the city of Jerusalem for the Church

Question 70

Evangelization in the bible

Answer 70

1 Corinthians 9:16: ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel’.
Mark 16:15: ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’.
John 20:21: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’.

Question 71

Should Christian Communities should seek to convert people from other faiths and people from no faith? Yes - CoE and Rome

Answer 71

In ‘Sharing the Gospel of Salvation’, the Church of England acknowledges the dangers and difficulties of the idea of evangelisation and conversion - but says that ‘conversion must never be a word of which Christians fight shy’.
The document points out that once Christianity was brought to Roman Britain it sought and found converts.
It is important to remember that the very roots of the Church of England lie in this process taking place.
The Church is passing on, as it has always done, what it first received from others – sharing the Gospel of Salvation.

Question 72

Should Christian Communities should seek to convert people from other faiths and people from no faith? Yes - good news

Answer 72

Sharing the Gospel of Salvation says that it is part of Christianity to seek to share its good news.
The report says it would be ‘abnormal’ for Christianity to cease to try to share with others what it sees as the unique news that God became Flesh.
Many theologians think that to give up this central Christian claim would be to undermine the integrity of Christianity.

Question 73

Should Christian Communities should seek to convert people from other faiths and people from no faith? Yes - Matthew

Answer 73

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commissions his disciples with the task of spreading the good news of God to all people.
He says: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.
This is a clear indication from the Bible that Jesus himself believed it was important for Christians to convert people of other faiths.

Question 74

Should Christian Communities should seek to convert people from other faiths and people from no faith? Yes - Athiesm

Answer 74

The militant atheist often tries to convert people to his or her belief system.
Richard Dawkins’ book The God Delusion is certainly an attempt by him to convert people to his belief system.
Shouldn’t the Church too have the right to share what it thinks is the unique and special news of the Gospel to those of ‘no faith’?
Therefore, if an atheist or a person of another faith tries to convert then a Christian has as much right as they do.

Question 75

Should Christian Communities should seek to convert people from other faiths and people from no faith? No - Kidnap

Answer 75

Attempting to convert a person from one faith to another (during inter-faith dialogue) does not help social cohesion.
The Church could easily be seen as attempting to intellectually ‘kidnap’ someone from another faith.
There is an element of judgement as well, if part of your aim is the hope that Jews and Muslims and Hindus are converted to Christianity, aren’t you saying that Christianity is better than their religions, and that they have got things wrong?

Question 76

Should Christian Communities should seek to convert people from other faiths and people from no faith? No - imperialism

Answer 76

People hold their religious views very devoutly, an attempt at conversion can be perceived as a kind of assault, and result in retaliatory violence.
Christianity has often been associated around the world with colonialism and imperialism, western values and beliefs have been forced upon a particular culture, this is true in the Crusades for example.
Because of this historical association, Christianity has to address issues to with conversion and sharing the Gospel with great care.

Question 77

Should Christian Communities should seek to convert people from other faiths and people from no faith? No - Hick

Answer 77

John Hick argues in favour of the pluralist approach.
Pluralism is the view that Christ is merely one way, amongst other equally valid ways, of achieving salvation.
It seems strange to say that it is only through Christ that anyone can be saved when your religion is often a matter of where you were born, in this sense Christian communities should not seek to convert.

Question 78

Should Christian Communities should seek to convert people from other faiths and people from no faith? No - Betraying

Answer 78

The Church of England and the Catholic Church think that sharing the good news of the Gospel is important in its inter-faith dialogue.
But this can easily be seen as someone forcing their beliefs on someone else.
The word ‘conversion’ can have unsavoury connotations, it might be seen as a person betraying their old loyalties, their traditions and family in order to embrace a new way of life.
The Church must listen to other faiths.