Pluralism and society

Question 1

Define multi-faith society

Answer 1

a society containing significant numbers of people from different faiths

Question 2

Define religious diversity

Answer 2

a society containing significant numbers of people from different faiths

Question 3

Define social cohesion

Answer 3

a society where people from different cultures/ religions/ nationalities exist harmoniously together

Question 4

Give examples that support the claim that the UK is a multi-faith society in the 21st century

Answer 4

In some parts of the UK Christianity is now a minority religion, and in other parts is equally represented alongside other religions (eg Islam)
Office of National Statistics stated through the 2011 census that: 60% Christian, 26 % no religion, 4.4% Islam etc
In 2008, Prince Charles declared when he becomes King he will change the title from Defender of the faith, to Defender of Faith to represent the multi-cultural nature of the UK

Question 5

Give some benefits of multi-faith societies

Answer 5

Learning and sharing common values
Adopting/ exploring new ways of thinking
Dispel prejudice
Encourage cooperation
Promote peace
Question and think more differently about your own faith
Wide variety of culture and tradition

Question 6

Give some problems of multi-faith societies

Answer 6

Undermines unique message
Children may become interested in following false beliefs and practices
Exclusivism means tolerance is unnecessary
Conversion creates offence and tension
Causes discrimination

Question 7

Define inter-faith dialogue

Answer 7

cooperative and positive interaction between people of different religion

Question 8

Name and explain two organisations which support and provide opportunities for interfaith dialogue

Answer 8

THE FAITH AND BELIEF FORUM
Aim to create good and productive relations between people of different faiths
Educate and inform people on different faiths
Strengthen community
Project voices of those they support
Through school workshops, Supplementary Education Linking Programme
THE INTERFAITH NETWORK FOR THE UK
Educate, inform, widen public awareness, encourage mutual respect, cooperation and accountability
Through projects for the community eg litter picking, support local refugees etc

Question 9

Define proselytising

Answer 9

Preaching about your faith with the intention of converting someone, evangelising

Question 10

Why may an exclusivist take part in interfaith dialogue?

Answer 10

Restrictive access- learn about other faiths, ease tensions, improve understanding of their community, develop pastoral care. Ultimately conversion?
Universal access- similar as RAE without attempts to convert, may attempt to understand the ‘rays of truth’ other religions contain

Question 11

Why may an inclusivist take part in interfaith dialogue?

Answer 11

To understand and appreciate how other religions and the ideas of individuals could provide paths for salvation

Question 12

What structural and restrictive inclusivists?

Answer 12

Structural- the religion as a whole may provide another path for salvation
Restrictive- an individual who is good and strong-faithed may achieve salvation

Question 13

Explain Ward’s views on pluralists trading part in interfaith dialogue

Answer 13

It is necessary for tolerance and respect, as our views may not necessarily be right. Inter-faith dialogue can help people strengthen or better understand their own faith, however people should not be judged for believing in what they view is the most justifiable

Question 14

Give two examples of structural interfaith dialogue

Answer 14

‘Speak the Truth’ or Dabru Emet (between Jews and Christians)
A Common Word Between Us and You
(letter from Muslim scholars to Christian leaders)

Question 15

Evaluate interfaith dialogue, giving 3 positives and 3 negatives

Answer 15

+
1. A possibility of world peace
2. Strengthening, exploring and understanding ones own beliefs
3. Build tolerance with in community
-
1. Attempts at conversion can appear arrogant and cause conflict
2. Can lead people to focus on what makes them different
3. A sense of superiority and contradicting beliefs may cause tension with ion the community

Question 16

Quote from Pope Francis in support of interfaith dialogue

Answer 16

‘We must also be able to see what we hold in common so that new avenues will be opened for mutual esteem, cooperation, and friendship’

Question 17

Explain the ‘Make Friends’ initiative

Answer 17

In 2017, both the Catholic and Protestant churches took part in order to educate and reduce tensions, disdain or a sense of superiority, and the violence that may come from this

Question 18

How did the Church of England respond to the challenge of existing alongside other faiths?

Answer 18

‘Sharing the Gospel of Salvation’ 2010
Inclusivist
Were asked whether CofE followers should attempt to convert others
Answered that salvation is uniquely found in Jesus however non-Christians should not be treated as targets, aim should not directly be conversion, treat with respect

Question 19

Quote from CofE on interfaith dialogue

Answer 19

‘Proclaiming one’s faith is not the same as selling a product in the marketplace’

Question 20

What is meant by the term Synod?

Answer 20

The governing body of the CofE

Question 21

How did the Catholic Church respond to the challenge of existing alongside other faiths?

Answer 21

Redemptoris Missio, encyclical, infallible letter written by Pope John Paul II
Broadly inclusivist
Conversion and baptism should be treated as essential, as although salvation may be possible by grace, Jesus is still the one true path to salvation
Corinthians- ‘For when I preach the Gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach’- helping others reach salvation is a loving part of a Christian’s duty
Missionary work should be carried out in a respectful way, freedom of choice should be respected

Question 22

Quote from Redemptoris Missio

Answer 22

‘The Church alone possess the fullness of the means to salvation’

Question 23

Define scriptural reasoning

Answer 23

a from of interfaith dialogue where people of different faiths come together to read, discuss, and reflect on their different scriptures

Question 24

What are the aims of the SR movement?

Answer 24

Not aiming for common ground or conversion
Texts are explored allowing for individuals to explain and evaluate their own interpretations
Discuss how texts should be applied in modern society

Question 25

What is the method used in SR?

Answer 25

Different texts from different religions are read in English (accessible)
Themes and core values are discussed, shared and contrasted, in order to present and be questioned on their beliefs
Hospitality is important for an open and friendly atmosphere

Question 26

Suggest some positives and negatives of scriptural reasoning

Answer 26

+
1. Reduces hatred and tension caused by ignorance
2. Establishes friendship and a stronger community
3. Strengthens individual faith
-
1. Leaves focus on the differences
2. Exclusivists may find it challenging
3. Highlight more disagreements causing tension within the community

Question 27

Define relativise

Answer 27

to suggest there is no right or wrong ideas with in each religion, or that there is not ultimate truth. Religions are just cultural expressions.

Question 28

Suggest how interfaith dialogue has contributed towards social cohesion in the UK

Answer 28

1. Develops strong sense of belonging, shared morality and fairness
2. Highlights similarities
3. Reduced ignorance means less violence and discrimination
4. An increase in number of groups suggests an increasing desire for tolerance

Question 29

Suggest how interfaith dialogue has not contributed towards social cohesion in the UK

Answer 29

1. There is still violence, riots and discrimination across the UK
2. Interfaith dialogue can cause more tension
3. Ineffective and uncomfortable, esp. for exclusivists
4. Material inequality still causes divide, limits effects of interfaith dialogue
5. Religion is unimportant to many