Pluralism and Society

Question 1

What is the exclusivist view of multi-faith societies?

Answer 1

they would not accept multi-faith societies because they believe that everyone should be converted to Christianity because that is the only way to achieve salvation

Question 2

What is the inclusivist view of multi-faith societies?

Answer 2

they want to work towards people hearing the good news, meaning that they are not totally against multi-faith societies. nut they are also not for multi-faith societies

Question 3

What is the pluralist view of multi-faith societies?

Answer 3

they would approve of multi-faith societies as they argue that all faiths are paths towards salvation

Question 4

multi-faith society

Answer 4

siginificant populations of people from different religious backgrounds

Question 5

What happened in the 21st century which caused there to be greater awarness of diversity and beliefs?

Answer 5

• globalisation
• foreign travel = learn the countries customs
• books, newspapers, TV, and internet = easier to gain insights into how other people live
• migration

Question 6

Positives of multi-faith societies

Answer 6

• diverse culture and beliefs
• more accepting of people in society
• allows growth
• less persecution of minority religions
• variety of cuisine and cultural practices
• inclusivity
• introduces new aspects of culture into mainstream

Question 7

Negatives of multi-faith societies

Answer 7

• tensions between religions
• stereotyoping
• increased nationalist views
• conflict between science and religion
• losing traditional values & beliefs in society
• children may be encouraged to not follow the religion of their parents
• some see it as a duty to convert others
• religious traditions could impact people

Question 8

Interfaith dialouge

Answer 8

its not trying to convert people from one faith to another or semonstrate that one faith is superior. it is about coming to a deeper understanding of ones own faith while learning about the belief of others

Question 9

Scriptural reasoning movement

Answer 9

each faith selects a short passage from their scripture relating to a theme. the scriptures are read and discussed

Question 10

What are the two main events in history that have led to new directions in interfaith dialogue according to David Fors?

Answer 10

1. Holocaust - dabru Emet (‘speak the truth’) - document highlighting that Jews and Christians worship the same God and seek authority from the same scripture so should work together for peace
2. tensions between Islam and the west - ‘A Common Word Between Us and You’ pointed out the passion that Muslims and Christians share for worshiping God and putting love for one’s neighbour into practise

Question 11

What is the CofE document ‘Sharing the Gospel of Salvation’ about?

Answer 11

• it reaffirmed the Christian messatge that God’s plan for salvation of the world comes uniquely through Jesus
• it reminds them of their own faith & salvation is due to missionary efforts of others
• however, it warns against treating non-christians as marketing ‘targets’ rather than individuals

Question 12

Four stands of interfaith dialogue

Answer 12

1. ‘Dialogue of Daily Life’
2. ‘Dialogue of Common Good’
3. ‘Dialogue of Mutual Understanding’
4. ‘Dialogue of Spiritual Life’

Question 13

Positives of interfaith dialogue

Answer 13

• inclusivity
• for Christians, religious diversity can provide opportunities for learning & sharing common values

Question 14

Negatives of interfaith dialogue

Answer 14

some Christians are concerned that a multi-faith environment might be damaging for Christianity by suggesting that there are other ways to salvation and promoting false faiths to children

Question 15

Papal Encyclicals

Answer 15

letters from the Pope to leaders of the church which adress significant issues in the life of the church and its relationship with the modern world

Question 16

Example of Papal Encyclicals

Answer 16

‘Redemptoris Missio’ (Pope John Paul II) - “dialogue should be conducted and impemented with the conviction that the church…alone possess the fullness of the meand of salvation”