Religious Pluralism And Society Flashcards
“Has inter-faith dialogue contributed practically towards social cohesion” essay
A: yes has contributed as heals the wounds of the past. David Ford comments - one strand on interfaith dialogue happened after the holocaust. Christianity reconciled themselves with Judaism. has allowed society to rebuild itself stronger
CA: Exclusivists believe that only Christians can reach salvation. Interfaith dialogue has weakened the Christian message. Undermines the truth of Christianity. Can lead to confusion and lack of identity. Can lead to Christians feeling outcast
E: has lead to communities to understand why they hold that with position in the first place. Technology and mass media have left to loss of identity. Interfaith helps find identity again
A: Overcoming prejudice. Instead of fear gain a greater understanding. Christianity less than 50% . Increase of migration, avoidance of xenophobia, replaced with understanding. Food bank
CA: undermines the place of mission. Redemptoris missio. Interfaith dialogue is not compatible with mission. Would be dishonest yo try to promote Christianity “the way the truth, the light”. Less social cohesion, can lead to frustration from other religions
E: not considering practical social cohesion, only furthering of Christianity. Allowed people the freedom to choose. Freedom of thinking is what leads to a cohesive society. Redemptoris missio also Higgins common goals.
“inter-faith dialogues strengthens Christian communities” essay
A: inter-faith dialogue does strengthen communities as it brings up ignorance and prejudice. Inter-faith dialogue helps to let other religions become more understanding,
CA: undermines the truth of Christianity: redemptoris missio, there is an undercurrent of the need to convert, so inter-faith dialogue can not be carried out successfully. Dishonest to promote Christianity as ‘the way the truth and the life’. It is not fair. History of missionary work - imperialism and colonialism, not good
E: “sharing the gospel of salvation” promotes Christian shared cooperation with non-Christians for the common good. Does strengthen. Minimises conflict and coexist
A: Pluralists may argue that Chirstina communities can be strengthened as Christians can learn from other religions. e.g. learn how Muslims do Ramadan.
CA: may water down Cristina doctrine teachings as inter-faith dialogue aims to unite the religions with a common ground. Monolithic. Done between Abrahamic faiths, inter-faith dialouge has it’s limit, can water down the Christian community
E: neither gentile or Jew you are all one in Jesus Christ, Give Christians a renewed confidence
Pluralism and society scholars & arguments
- redemptoris missio: “no believer in Christ… can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all people’s”. Other religions have ‘gaps or insufficiencies and errors’. Dialogue is important but evangelism is still required. Members of other faiths can be saved but people require the church. Inter-faith dialogue’s primary purpose is about understanding other traditions which contain ‘rays of truth’
- sharing the gospel of salvation: it s important to proclaim the uniqueness of christ amongst people who already have faith but recognise that there is truth in the journey of other faiths. A fresh approach to evangelism is needed. Christian’s should work together for the common but people should not be forced to believe in Christ.
For interfaith dialogue:
- Ford: the holocaust and the rise in tension between Islam and the West has lead to new directions of interfaith dialogue. They create an environment of study, discussion, debate and friendship. The three aims are 1.wisdom 2. Collegiality 3. Hospitality.
- Ward: Interfaith dialogue is a significant aid in developing a ‘global faith’ . A global faith is an attitude of openness by anyone of faith.
- Barth: Christians need to enter int dialogue with deep humility and openness
- Rabbi Jackie Tabick: interaction between different faith communities is important for healing suspicions. Can promote faith.
Against interfaith dialogue:
- Barnes: interfaith dialogue is a risky option for Christians because it necessarily means. That those involved will have to question the teachings of the church.
- Dr.Harvey Cox: issues for Christian’s as will have to deal with the question of Jesus being the saviour of all religions.
“Should Christians seek to convert people from other faiths?” Essay
A: A liberal may argue that that when we participate in interfaith dialogue it should be with an open mind. Two groups trying to convert each other is not dialogue. This cannot lead to social cohesion in a multi-faith society. Believing that your world view is better can lead to tensions in the modern world.
CA: Redemptoris missio: “no believer in Christ can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all people. Dialogue is important but evangelism is also. Actually is the most loving thing to do so people of different religions get a chance to be saved as they all contain ‘rays of truth’. Therefore should
E: Hick: However relies on the exclusivist view of Christianity. Pluralists would argue that all faith expressions are valid so Christians so not need to seek to convert people as people from different faiths will find their own journey to he divine
A: CoE: It is important to proclaim the uniqueness of Christ but we should recognise there are truths in the journey of other religions. Should work with others for the common good. People should not be force to believe in Christ or try to sell or market the faith. Therefore although should proclaim should not proselytise
CA: Rahner: exclusivist Christian’s would argue that although they may be an anonymous Christian’s they hold still have the opportunity to respond to the gospel in order to encounter the truth - Should be given the opportunity to live as a full member of the Christian church. Pope Francis: “all of them have the right to receive the gospel”
E: Promote more social cohesion - when not trying to promotes collegiality during scriptural reasoning (created by Ford). If trying to convert during scriptural reason not truly respecting all religions.
E:
