Religious pluralism and society AO2 and Essay Plans Flashcards
1
Q
strengths of exclusivism’s approach to interfaith dialogue
A
- Karl Barth: we should engage in religious dialogue to avoid accusations of arrogance.
- a sense of collegiality and understanding can be built
- all have a sense of how process is being approached
2
Q
weaknesses of exclusivism approach to interfaith dialogue
A
- Michael Barnes: for exclusivist Christians, interfaith dialogue is risky.
- Christian truth could become relativist.
- resolution can never take place in an exclusivist viewpoint.
3
Q
Strengths of an inclusivist approach to interfaith dialogue
A
- can build co operation and support within faiths
- leaves more room for open dialogue
- respects differences in all faiths.
4
Q
weaknesses of an inclusivist approach to interfaith dialogue
A
- Christians are still assuming a position of authority
- Restrictive inclusivism doesn’t really challenge a religion as a whole because it only focuses on own religion.
5
Q
strengths of a pluralist approach to interfaith dialogue
A
- celebrates differences and creates a more harmonious world.
- Paul Knitter: interfaith dialogue is used to address major issues and faiths can work together to find common ground.
- avoids egoism of other approaches.
6
Q
weaknesses of a pluralist approach to interfaith dialogue
A
- dialogue can be seen as superficial.
- can undermine faith of each participant.
- beliefs are too fluid- nothing of the substance can be discussed.
7
Q
Christian communities have a mission to those of no faith
A
- Christians are called to spread the gospet to all; it may be more important to reach atheists than people of other religions as atheists will not have the same access to the truth.
- God’s love and redemption is intended for everyone; increasingly secular society may mean atheism is the default option as they have not been taught of alternatives.
- RT Exclusivists might consider firm atheists are not among the ‘elect’ who are chosen by God- need to convert.
- reaching out to atheists is a dialogue of the common good, can foster social cohesion.
8
Q
Christian communities have a mission to those of no faith
Disagree
A
- inclusivist Christians would argue that anonymous Christians still have access to the truth.
- UTP position might be applied to atheists in that they might seek to overcome selfishness and work for a world peace without a religious base.
- Christians may live and work with atheists without feeling the need to share their faith- atheists could have consciously chosen to reject God and can do good acts without God.
9
Q
Interfaith dialogue has contributed practically towards social cohesion
For
A
- Redemptoris missio emphasises need for social cohesion, implying a more inclusivist approach- catechism does not explicitly say who is included in Church; unity of religions.
- interfaith groups have increased in popularity over last 100 years, for instance SRM.
- influential documents have shown interfaith dialogue is biting about social cohesion- e.g. A Common Word for God has generated 600 articles of Muslim/Christian relations.
- intefaith dialogue encourages use of social media to bring about social cohesion.
- interfaith dialogue has been promoted by Church of England in sharing Gospel of Salvation document.
- interfaith dialogue can create mutual understanding and aims to combat racism, sexism and violence and war.
10
Q
Interfaith dialogue has contributed practically towards social cohesion
Against
A
- why does the Church assume it is the right one- egotistical in it’s approach with could offend other religions.
- how many people actually read papal encyclicals promoting interfaith dialogue and social cohesion.
- firm exclusivist standpoint would disrespect other religion, fuelling tension.
- aim of interfaith dialogue is not to contribute toward social cohesion.
- racism, sexism and violence is all not attributed to religion
- do individuals of faith have the authority to represent entire religion: is this practical.
