Pluralism/Death and the Afterlife A02 Flashcards
1
Q
Hick on salvation
A
- Hick and other pluralists/inclusivists
- idea that some will be denied salvation especially if trying to lead a genuine holy life is incompatible with belief in god of love
- god could have just revealed himself in different ways to different cultures
- God’s omniscient will means he never makes mistakes about judging people’s actions and beliefs
- always acts with perfect love making sure everyone ultimately gets saved
2
Q
a loving god may still deny people salvation
A
- for a meaningful relationship with God must come from persons conscious choice to have a relationship - choice to be saved
- a god of love would not force someone’s choice by imposing salvation on all whether they want it or not
3
Q
Augustine and Calvin on salvation
A
- only for elect few chosen by God
- everyone tainted with original sin so no one deserves salvation
- sign of gods love he allows salvation to be offered to anyone at all
4
Q
salvation in a god of justice
A
- god of justice as well as love
- god makes opportunity of salvation available to everyone as Christ died for everyone and accepts everyone who believes in him
- but if people don’t want to take up this opportunity, they have chosen their own fate and can’t blame god for consequence
- unjust of God to give salvation to everyone even those who reject him/ commit crimes alongside those who dedicated their lives to Christianity and helping others
5
Q
what happens if salvation is given to everyone
A
- it makes religion seem pointless
- Jesus died on cross for no reason as everyone would have been saved anyway and there are many alternative paths to God
- makes leading a morally good life seem unimportant
6
Q
God’s judgement takes place immediately after death and at the end of time
A
- both views supported by biblical texts so perhaps there is both
7
Q
god’s judgement takes place at the end of time
A
- Irenaeus - most Christians do not enter heaven until the final Day of Judgement when God’s whole plan for the universe comes to its conclusion and time ends
- before this but after death live in peaceful happiness waiting for final reward of heaven
- Calvin supported - dead are conscious in bliss or pain while they wait
- Last, final or general judgement
8
Q
god’s judgement takes place immediately after death
A
- it does for some exceptional people like saints and prophets who may be admitted on a fast track to heaven without having to wait
- popular view - fits with bible
- particular judgement
- parable of rich man and Lazarus suggests Lazarus taken straight to heaven after death
- thought illustrative not literal parable so perhaps unwise to read too much into it
- many prayers refer to deceased as if already in heaven
9
Q
puzzle Jesus posed on cross of whether judgement after death was immediate or at the end of time
A
- Luke’s gospel
- said to one of criminals crucified alongside him
“truly I tell you today you will be with me in paradise” - english translation adds in comma - greek no comma
- was he saying you will be in paradise with me today
- or today I tell you you will be with me in paradise
10
Q
all good people will be saved
A
- many struggle with idea that well meaning people who are not Christians will be denied salvation
- will god give it to Christians who do a lot less
11
Q
Christian faith alone is both necessary and sufficient for salvation
A
- John - “whoever believes in him (Christ) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already”
- Ephesians - “for it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works so that no one can boast”
- Bible seems to support Christian exclusivism
- no one good enough to deserve salvation - all guilty of sin due to the fall and fallible human nature
12
Q
Christian faith alone is NOT necessary and sufficient for salvation
A
- Bible seems to support this too and does not always mention faith
- Micah - “and what does the Lord require of you? to act justly and to love mercy”
- parable of sheep and goats
- Jesus judges on actions not faith
- such passages could be used to support Christian inclusivist or pluralist positions
13
Q
faith and good deeds are both necessary for salvation
A
- NT
- “what good is it my brothers and sisters if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds”
- faith incomplete without the moral action that inspires it
- Abraham lived before Jesus and so did not have explicit faith in Christ but was still considered righteous
- pluralist and inclusivist
14
Q
what issue arises in the debate of whether all good people are saved
A
- whether all religions and people have the same moral code
- inclusivists/pluralists often say its unjust to condemn the morally good non-Christian but this carries the assumption there is the same moral code in Christianity as outside of it
- also if a non-Christian can have the same moral code as a Christian despite lacking the beliefs
- this suggests belief of the central messages of Christianity does not make much difference to a person’s moral behaviour
15
Q
if Christ is the truth can there be any other means of salvation (exclusivist)
A
- no Christ only truth
- John - “no one comes to the father except through me”
- Christ’s death had cosmic significance didn’t die to simply provide an alternative route
- irrational for multiple religions to be true as all so different
- all could be wrong but not all right
- recognise a relativist position is fashionable and it might be judgemental to say your view is the only correct one
- but people should not be led by political correctness and fear of offending on matters of ultimate truth
- missionary work is duty not arrogance
- non-Christian paths are dangerous
- inclusivism and pluralism undermine those who sacrifice their lives for Christianity
