Religious Pluralism and society

Question 1

Key Principle 1: Religious Pluralism as a Social Reality

Answer 1

Argument: Religious Diversity Is a Natural Feature of Modern Society

Globalization and migration result in diverse religious communities coexisting in society (P).

If globalization and migration result in diverse religious communities coexisting in society (P), then religious pluralism becomes a social reality (Q).

∴ Religious pluralism becomes a social reality (Q).
Example: The multicultural and multi-religious context of the United Kingdom illustrates the coexistence of multiple faiths.

Question 2

Key Principle 2: The Challenge to Christian Hegemony

Answer 2

Argument: Secularization and Pluralism Diminish Christianity’s Central Role in Society

Religious pluralism gives equal legitimacy to all religions (P).

If religious pluralism gives equal legitimacy to all religions (P), then Christianity’s dominance in shaping cultural norms and laws is challenged (Q).

∴ Christianity’s dominance in shaping cultural norms and laws is challenged (Q).
Example: The shift from a Christian-dominated moral framework to a pluralistic legal system (e.g., legal recognition of same-sex marriage, which challenges traditional Christian norms).

Question 3

Key Principle 3: Religious Pluralism and Secular Values

Answer 3

Argument: Pluralism Promotes Inclusivity and Equality

A pluralistic society values inclusivity and equality (P).

If a pluralistic society values inclusivity and equality (P), then it must accommodate multiple religious traditions and secular perspectives (Q).

∴ It must accommodate multiple religious traditions and secular perspectives (Q).
Example: Legislation ensuring freedom of religion, such as the UK Equality Act 2010, protects individuals from discrimination based on faith.

Question 4

Key Principle 4: Interfaith Dialogue as a Social Good

Answer 4

Argument: Dialogue Reduces Social Conflict

Interfaith dialogue fosters mutual understanding (P).

If interfaith dialogue fosters mutual understanding (P), then it helps reduce social conflict in pluralistic societies (Q).

∴ It helps reduce social conflict in pluralistic societies (Q).
Example: The Inter Faith Network in the UK works to promote harmony and cooperation between different religious communities.

Question 5

Objection 1: Pluralism Undermines Religious Identity

Answer 5

Objection:
Scholarly Source: Timothy Keller (The Reason for God)

Pluralism demands that all religions are treated equally (P).

If pluralism demands that all religions are treated equally (P), then it risks diluting the distinctive beliefs of each tradition (Q).

∴ It risks diluting the distinctive beliefs of each tradition (Q).

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Diana Eck (Encountering God)
Eck argues that pluralism does not dilute religious identity but encourages individuals to deepen their own faith through engagement with others.

Question 6

Objection 2: Secularization as a Threat to Faith

Answer 6

Scholarly Source: Charles Taylor (A Secular Age)

Pluralism fosters secularization (P).

If pluralism fosters secularization (P), then it weakens the influence of religious institutions (Q).

∴ It weakens the influence of religious institutions (Q).

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Rowan Williams (Faith in the Public Square)
Williams counters that secularism can coexist with robust religious communities, as pluralism creates space for public expressions of faith without privileging one tradition.

Question 7

Objection 3: Religious Pluralism Leads to Moral Relativism

Answer 7

Objection:
Scholarly Source: Alister McGrath (Christian Theology: An Introduction)

Pluralism holds that all religions are equally valid (P).

If pluralism holds that all religions are equally valid (P), then it risks moral relativism (Q).

∴ It risks moral relativism (Q).

Reply:
Scholarly Source: John Hick (An Interpretation of Religion)
Hick argues that religious pluralism does not lead to relativism but reflects a shared commitment to universal ethical principles such as compassion and justice.

Question 8

Objection 4: Interfaith Dialogue Is Superficial

Answer 8

Objection:
Scholarly Source: D.A. Carson (The Gagging of God)

Interfaith dialogue avoids addressing fundamental theological differences (P).

If interfaith dialogue avoids addressing fundamental theological differences (P), then it is superficial and ineffective (Q).

∴ It is superficial and ineffective (Q).

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Paul Knitter (No Other Name?)
Knitter responds that dialogue is not about resolving theological differences but fostering mutual understanding and cooperation on shared social issues.

Question 9

Objection 5: Pluralism Undermines Evangelism

Answer 9

Objection:
Scholarly Source: Lesslie Newbigin (The Gospel in a Pluralist Society)

Pluralism discourages exclusive truth claims (P).

If pluralism discourages exclusive truth claims (P), then it undermines the Christian mission to evangelize (Q).

∴ It undermines the Christian mission to evangelize (Q).

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Gavin D’Costa (Theology and Religious Pluralism)
D’Costa argues that pluralism does not preclude evangelism but requires it to be conducted with respect and humility in the context of interfaith dialogue.