Pluralism and society

Question 1

Interfaith dialogue

Answer 1

The relationship/communication between different religions.

Question 2

Aims of interfaith dialogue

Answer 2

To promote peace/understanding
Build relationships
Create mutual respect
Identify areas of tension
NOT TO CONVERT

Question 3

What are the four strands of interfaith dialogue?

Answer 3

Daily life (informal conversations)

Common good (working together for common good of the community)

Mutual understanding (formal debates)

Spiritual life (praying/worshipping together)

Question 4

David Ford on interfaith dialogue

Answer 4

Two events in history led to new directions in interfaith dialogue. The Holocaust and 9/11.

Question 5

Catholics and interfaith dialogue

Answer 5

Redemptoris Missio focussed on Christian missionary work, and made it clear that the Christian mission to convert non-Christians remains essential.

Question 6

Catholic quote

Answer 6

“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”

Question 7

Missionary

Answer 7

Someone who goes to a foreign country to spread their faith, with the aim to convert others

Question 8

Globalisation

Answer 8

The increasing interconnections of global society in terms of social relations and consciousness across the world

Question 9

Positive aspect of globalisation

Answer 9

Religious knowledge and belief systems aren’t isolated to particular cultures and geographical locations

Question 10

Negative aspect of globalisation

Answer 10

It can cause tensions between cultures and has undermined cultural identity.

Question 11

Hick on globalisation

Answer 11

All religions have a different understanding of God meaning that when they come together a better understanding of God can be developed

Question 12

Pinker’s humanitarian principle

Answer 12

Humans get along better when each person takes into account the interests of others, on the assumption that we are rational beings capable of respect

Question 13

The post-enlightenment mindset

Answer 13

Not judging a persons lifestyle unless it is harmful.

Question 14

Pros of interfaith dialogue

Answer 14

Highlights similarities in religious beliefs.

Deepens the understanding of an individuals faith.

Safer communities.

Free self-expression.

Question 15

Cons of interfaith dialogue

Answer 15

Might generate further tensions

Might be patronising and seem as if converting is happening.

There are already inequalities between religions in the UK.

Question 16

Scriptural reasoning movement

Answer 16

A regular inter faith forum in which Jews, Muslims and Christians in which they interpret religious texts. The aim is not achieving agreement but asking questions/discussing

Question 17

Pros of scriptural reasoning movement

Answer 17

Encourages open mindedness

Inter-faith relationships

Allows people to freely express their faith with others who are like-minded

Encourages people to realise that their interpretation of scripture isn’t the only right way.

Question 18

Cons of the scriptural reasoning movement

Answer 18

The emphasis on Jews, Muslims and Christians might exclude other religions

Focus on interpretations of scripture rather than faith means there is no way of coming to valid conclusions

Relies on a certain knowledge or expertise on behalf of participants

Question 19

Issue with scriptural reasoning

Answer 19

Jews and Christians accept the Old Testament as authoritative, however Muslims don’t accept the Quran as being from God.

Question 20

Paul Eddy

Answer 20

Questioned the CoE asking them for clear guidance on whether Christians should convert others or not

Question 21

What point does the CoE emphasise about the origins of Christianity in the UK in the gospel of salvation ?

Answer 21

Their own faith and salvation is due to the missionary efforts of others

Question 22

What errors does the CoE recognise about missionaries who went overseas in the past in the gospel of salvation?

Answer 22

They didn’t live up to the teachings of the Bible, meaning it was culturally insensitive and political.

Question 23

How does the CoE recommend that people share their faith in everyday life in the gospel of salvation?

Answer 23

By doing as Jesus did, living for the good of others rather than just telling them what to believe.

Question 24

Quote supporting the CoE and gospel of salvation

Answer 24

“Love your neighbour as yourself”

Encourages Christians to be sensitive to others and not pressure them.