pluralism and society Flashcards
what is globalisation?
the increasing interconnections of global society, for example, through the de-regularisation of trade restrictions between countries.
what facilitates globalisation?
advancements of tech, including communication like mobiles, politics, for example, liberalisation of laws which make travel easier.
How has globalisation effected religion?
religions and belief systems are not isolated to one particular culture or geographical locations. Communities are often multi-faith.
what are the limitations of globalisation for Religion?
a destructive phenomenon since it undermines cultural identity. It is more difficult to preserve distinctive religious beliefs whilst living in a globalised world.
what reasons suggest a multi-faith society is important
Post-Enlightenment mindset
Globalisation
Migration
what is the post-Enlightenment mindset
emphasis on tolerance and human rights. Developed values based on human reason and experience
what is steven Pinkers humanitarian principle
humans get on better when they take on the interest of others
what is JSM harm principle
we mustn’t do an action that will have consequences that will affect/harm people
how does the post-Enlightenment mindset support living in a multi-faith society
we should support those with a religion and not judge them for having different faiths.
challenges of post-Enlightenment mindset on multifaith society
it makes you challenge your faith and tolerate different religious practices whilst keeping your personal beliefs
what is Migration
a person moving from one country to another this could be because of safety. opportunities or economic improvement etc
Events that have caused migration and its effects
Jews escaping Nazi Germany
people from the Indian subcontinent moving from former colonies
not just a proliferation of non-Christian religions such as Islam and Hinduism but different forms of Christian practice such as evangelical Pentecostal.
what effect has migration had on Christianity
no longer the primary religion 7
less power and status
people will go to other religious leaders
what are papal encyclicals?
letters sent from the pope to the leaders of the church, these look at important issues for the church in modern society.
what are 2 documents that discuss whether Christians should convert people
redemptoris missio - the mission of the redeemer
sharing the gospel of salvation
who wrote the redemptoris missio
Pope John Paul II in 1990
what is the redemptoris missio
it is a papal encyclical that discuses Christian missionary work in a multi-faith society.
Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and way in which God is revealed to the world.
christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread faith
We should continue to preach ‘woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel’
tolerate other religions and cultures
spread uniqueness of God
who wrote the sharing the gospel of salvation?
Paul eddy member of the Church of England 2010
it was written because Eddy believed Christians had stopped sharing the truth of Christ in fear of being disrespectful
what is sharing the gospel of salvation?
salvation is ONLY available through jesus
Christians are called to bring others to an explicit faith in Christ as he offers salvation.
It warns against treating non-Christians as targets
treat other how you wish to be treated
but they should not feel intimidated or fearful about speaking about their beliefs.
A01 slices for ‘Christians should seek to convert others at every opportunity’
multifaith society - globalisation etc
Scriptural reasoning
Papal encyclicals
Arguments for converting
Great commission - Jesus tells his disciples to ‘make disciples of all the nations’ Jesus is calling for Christians to proselytise the nations
sola scriptura - Luther
this offers a propositional revelation and does not require further interpretation it is clear that to act in accordance with Gods will is to convert
Exclusivists - Jesus is the only way to have salvation
Papal infallibility - they have a divine ability to interpret scripture due to the Pentecost and thus if they think scripture suggests converting then this is something we must follow. They’re also hermeneutics meaning they’re trained
Arguments against converting
scripture - Parable of the sheep and the Goats - moral action brings people into God’s grace we do not need them to be converted. Calvin ‘scripture is simple and majestic’
Hick - called for a Copernican revolution meaning we make our religious views theocentric not Christocentric. each religion is a interpretation of the same thing. Different phenomena of the noumena. There is no need to convert we will achieve salvation regardless
Explicit faith is not necessary in Christ is not necessary for salvation because of Rahner and autonomous Christians
post-enlightenment mindset
what is social cohesion?
when a group is united by bonds that help them to live together peacefully
what is scriptural reasoning?
Its aim is not to convert or get agreement. Meeting together in a neutral space to read texts and address different themes. Talk about how texts have shaped their understanding and how it applies today. Discuss any similarities, for example in Islam Jesus is seen as a prophet. Speak for themselves not communities. Follows the post-Enlightenment mindset of tolerance and respect for autonomy.
example of scriptural reasoning
Cambridge Inter-faith programme - They hold session that last in varied times usually a couple of hours. They get religious texts to read and share their respective thoughts and feelings. This was put forward by David ford.
strengths of SR
Creates Friendships
Learning and understanding
Exploring differences - no pressure to reach a consensus
fitting with hicks theology
social cohesion
quote from the Redemptoris missio
‘woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel’
’ interfaith dialogue has contributed practically towards social cohesian’
- redemptoris missio
- example of interfaith dialogue is scriptural reasoning
’ scriptural reasoning relativises religious beliefs’
- scriptural reasoning
- yes it does - redemptoris missio etc
