Pluralism and society Flashcards
Interfaith dialogue
The relationship/communication between different religions.
Aims of interfaith dialogue
To promote peace/understanding
Build relationships
Create mutual respect
Identify areas of tension
NOT TO CONVERT
What are the four strands of interfaith dialogue?
Daily life (informal conversations)
Common good (working together for common good of the community)
Mutual understanding (formal debates)
Spiritual life (praying/worshipping together)
David Ford on interfaith dialogue
Two events in history led to new directions in interfaith dialogue. The Holocaust and 9/11.
Catholics and interfaith dialogue
Redemptoris Missio focussed on Christian missionary work, and made it clear that the Christian mission to convert non-Christians remains essential.
Catholic quote
“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
Missionary
Someone who goes to a foreign country to spread their faith, with the aim to convert others
Globalisation
The increasing interconnections of global society in terms of social relations and consciousness across the world
Positive aspect of globalisation
Religious knowledge and belief systems aren’t isolated to particular cultures and geographical locations
Negative aspect of globalisation
It can cause tensions between cultures and has undermined cultural identity.
Hick on globalisation
All religions have a different understanding of God meaning that when they come together a better understanding of God can be developed
Pinker’s humanitarian principle
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
The post-enlightenment mindset
Not judging a persons lifestyle unless it is harmful.
Pros of interfaith dialogue
Highlights similarities in religious beliefs.
Deepens the understanding of an individuals faith.
Safer communities.
Free self-expression.
Cons of interfaith dialogue
Might generate further tensions
Might be patronising and seem as if converting is happening.
There are already inequalities between religions in the UK.
Scriptural reasoning movement
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
Pros of scriptural reasoning movement
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.
Cons of the scriptural reasoning movement
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
Issue with scriptural reasoning
Jews and Christians accept the Old Testament as authoritative, however Muslims don’t accept the Quran as being from God.
Paul Eddy
Questioned the CoE asking them for clear guidance on whether Christians should convert others or not
What point does the CoE emphasise about the origins of Christianity in the UK in the gospel of salvation ?
Their own faith and salvation is due to the missionary efforts of others
What errors does the CoE recognise about missionaries who went overseas in the past in the gospel of salvation?
They didn’t live up to the teachings of the Bible, meaning it was culturally insensitive and political.
How does the CoE recommend that people share their faith in everyday life in the gospel of salvation?
By doing as Jesus did, living for the good of others rather than just telling them what to believe.
Quote supporting the CoE and gospel of salvation
“Love your neighbour as yourself”
Encourages Christians to be sensitive to others and not pressure them.
C. Hitchens on exclusivism
C. Hitchens respond that social pressure on traditional exclusivism is justified because exclusivism causes social tensions & problems.
