Pluralism And Society Flashcards
Development of multi-faith societies
Migration - Romans
-Christianity introduced by Romans, before, religious practice was concentrated around worship of ancestors, fertility and agriculture
Development of multi-faith societies
Primary faith
-Britain established as primary faith in Britain in 7th century
The development of multi-faith societies
Western developments
- Western developments in travel and communication has increased cultural and religious diversity
- 1950s and 60s, textile industry shot of labour, encouraging immigration from Pakistan and Caribbean
The development of multi-faith societies
Travel
- People travelled more for holiday and work and this has led to greater contact with different beliefs and traditions
- When travelling, local etiquettes need respecting and thus further education about beliefs needed
The developments of multi-faith societies
‘Pockets’
- ‘pockets’ of religious groups were caused by people choosing to live near those who practice same religion
- E.g. Jewish population higher in north London and Leeds
Changes in society
- Resulted in mixed-faith marriages, the teaching of world faith chills and people working amount religious diversity
- Stocking of multi-faith foods in supermarkets, airports, hospitals
- Acceptance of atheism and agnosticism allowing religious beliefs to be challenged
Views
- Some argue this new opportunity has helped dispel prejudice and promote peace
- Others say it had helped deepen reflects of own religious beliefs
- Others still claim tolerance is promoted at expense of unique message of salvation through Christ promoted by Christian mission
David ford: the future of Christian theology
Introduction
-Inter-faith dialogue had new direction due to two major historical strands:
Holocaust and Islam/West
David ford
Hocaust
- Role played by Christianity in spurring on anti-sensitise in contrast to those that opposed nazism
- Darby emet ‘speak the truth’ highlighted Jews and Christians worship same God and seek authority from same scriptures so need to work together for peace
- Church failed to say the Nazis were wrong
David ford
Tensions
- Tensions between Islam and West
- 2007 letter ‘a common wool between us and you’ pointed out the passion Muslims and Christians share for worshipping God and putting love for one’s neighbour into practice
Responses to inter-faith dialogue
Aims to understand:
- Common ground and points of difference
- One’s own faith while learning about, and from, believes of others
- It is NOT about conversion but serves renewed interest in the wake of immigration and human response to tragedies such as 9/11
Responses to challenge of other faiths
CofE Paul Eddy 2006
-Asked synod for clear guidance on whether or not Christians should convert others
-Felt Christians had become too fearful to offend, no longer proclaiming that Jesus was the way to salvation, Instead keeping quiet
Argued statement should be released claiming salvation can only be found in Jesus
Responses of Christian communities to inter-faith dialogue
Papal Encyclicals - Pope John Paul II
- Issued redemptioris misso, discussed place of Christian missionary work in multi-faith world
- Makes clear that Christians Mission to non-Christians is essential
- Jesus one saviour and Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit should bring others to Christian faith
‘Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel’ 1 Corinthians
Responses of Christian communities to infer faith dialogue
Pope John Paul II
Missionary work seen as?
-Whilst urgent and important, in multi-faith world can be seen as negative, ignorant, condemning is other faiths
Christians responding to inter-faith dialogue
Pope John Paul II
Quotes
‘Dialogue should be conducted and implemented with the conviction that the church alone posses the fullness of the means of salvation’
But
‘The Church gladly acknowledges whatever is true and holy in the religious traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam as a reflection of that truth which enlightens all’
Responses of Christian communities to inter-faith dialogue
Pope John Paul II
Catholic duty
- Catholics have duty to be respectful in dialogue
- This gives an opportunity to bear witness and is expression of Christian mission - not opposition to it
- The unique path of salvation through Christ is still offered by Christianity and should be emphasised
Church of England
4 strands of inter faith dialogue
‘Sharing the gospel of salvation’
- Dialogue of daily life - informal discussions of differing beliefs
- Dialogue of common good - different faiths cooperate to help the community
- Dialogue of mutual understanding - formal debates e.g. Scriptural reasoning
- Dialogue of spiritual life - meet for prayer and worship
Church of England
What is the fourfold plan in response to?
-Paul Eddys question asking Church to clarify position of CofE on converting others
Church of England
What sort the plan affirm?
- Jesus uniquely offers salvation and CofE has a mission to testify this
- Christians should make efforts to speak about their beliefs openly and honestly and not treat it as a marketing exercise
- Efforts to engage with members of different faiths - more than just tolerance ‘Golden rule’ treat others as you would like to be treated
Scriptural reasoning movement
- Began as a Jewish academic from USA
- mid 1990s some Christians from U.K. Asked to join in order to develop understanding of Jewish scriptures
- Meetings so engaging they created regular inter-faith forum
- Invited Muslims as 3 known as ‘religions of the book’
- Now part of camebridge inter-faith programme
Aims of scriptural reasoning movement
- Listen to each other
- Ask questions
- Discuss more deeply different ways similar beliefs understood in own co text
- Be open and honest
Scriptural reasoning movement
What happens?
- Discusses ideas such as education, clothing, fasting etc. Based on scriptural teachings
- Goals is not achieving agreement but to go beyond superficial and promote hospitality through each different faith group taking it in turns to host meetings
Has inter-faith dialogue led to social cohesion?
- Emergence of some political and religious extremist groups has resulted in renewed attempts at social cohesion
- Argued inter-faith dialogue ineffective as not everyone agrees to it (many Christians think members of other faiths should convert)
- Due to material inequality, housing, employment, education. Does it have any relevance?
