RE: Religious Pluralism and Theology Flashcards
what are some arguments in favour of religious pluralism (all religions equally correct)?
- john stuart mill said that religions are like different paths up a mountain that all lead to the same place.
- religions have the same ideas of God and same ideas of right and wrong.
- ‘in my father’s house are many rooms’ - John 14:2
what are some arguments in favour of inclusivism (one religion fully true, others partially true)?
- some don’t know about Jesus.
- others who do good will also be included in God’s kingdom.
- people are unknowingly included in christ’s salvation.
what are some arguments in favour of exclusivism (other religions false)?
- if you don’t believe in Jesus as the Lord savour, you cannot enter heaven as it’s the one saving truth.
- 3 things in place to enter heaven: faith in christ, share the gospel, be a member of the christian church.
- st. Cyprian said ‘outside the church there’s no salvation’.
- supported by the doctrine of the justification of faith. Martin Luther used st. Paul’s teachings from Romans, you’re rejecting God if you don’t have faith in Jesus.
what do exclusivists believe about God?
believe in an immanent God who intervenes in the world through visions and miracles. this is to make himself known as he desires people to come and know him.
what are the arguments in favour of christians being religous exclusivists?
- you must have faith in christ, share the gospel and be a member of the church to enter heaven.
- st cyprian - ‘there’s no salvation outside the church’.
- supported by the doctrine of justification of faith.
what are the arguments against christians being religious exclusivists?
- why should people who’ve lived good lives be punished?
- not all christians share the same opinion.
- john stuart mill (pluralist) argues that all religions are equally true.
what were Karl Ranher’s views as an inclusivist?
- agrees that christ alone can save people from salvation.
- however, this faith in jesus can be invisible/not obvious. religion may be distorted in a way but they still have a desire to be with christ.
- defends the ‘solus christus’ principle but thinks there can be salvation outside the church.
what are the catholic church’s inclusivist views?
- no salvation ouside the church, but argues that what counts as being a christian isn’t known to us.
- God will not condemn anyone unfairly, he knows what’s going on inside people’s hearts and consciences.
how did Tim Barnett argue against inclusivism?
- every religion has a part of the truth.
- uses the elephant fable, refers to the Raja as being a religious inclusivist. inclusivism is arrogant.
- significant elements of different religions contradict eachother.
what are the benefits of a multi-faith society?
`-more tolerant
- remove prejudice.
- educational
what are the problems of a multi faith society?
- different ideologies could cause conflict.
- can reduce social cohesion.
what are arguments in favour of the scriptural reasoning movement?
- gives people a way to discuss different religious views informally.
- more understanding of different religions as well as your own.
- not threatened by others.
what are arguments against the scriptural reasoning movement?
- might not work
- ‘preaching to the converted’
- involves just ordinary people, not academics.
what are the aims or the ALPHA Anglican Christian organisation?
- set up by the church of England to teach non-Christians the basics of the Christian faith.
- since 1990 it’s been offered as a series of introductory sessions to non-Christians, who can learn about Christianity and the Christian meaning of life.
- has since been adopted by Christian denominations worldwide.
why should Christians seek to convert people?
- Human rights: we have the right to practice our religion, this can include preaching/evangelisation.
- jesus tells us to ‘make disciples of all nations’.
- if atheists have the same rights to convert Christians so we should have the same right.
