Religious Pluralism and theology

Question 1

Key Principle 1: Religious Pluralism as a Social Reality

Answer 1

Argument: Religious Diversity Is a Natural Feature of Modern Society

1. Globalization and migration result in diverse religious communities coexisting in society (P).
2. If globalization and migration result in diverse religious communities coexisting in society (P), then religious pluralism becomes a social reality (Q).
3. so,2

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

1. Religious pluralism gives equal legitimacy to all religions (P).
2. if so, hen Christianity’s dominance in shaping cultural norms and laws is challenged (Q).
3. so,2

Question 3

Key Principle 3: Religious Pluralism and Secular Values

Answer 3

Argument: Pluralism Promotes Inclusivity and Equality

1. A pluralistic society values inclusivity and equality (P).
2. if so, it must accommodate multiple religious traditions and secular perspectives
3. so,2

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

1. Interfaith dialogue fosters mutual understanding (P).
2. if so, then it helps reduce social conflict in pluralistic societies (
3. so,2
   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

Scholarly Source: Timothy Keller (The Reason for God)
1. Pluralism demands that all religions are treated equally (P).
2. 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

Objection:
Scholarly Source: Charles Taylor (A Secular Age)
1.Pluralism fosters secularization (P).
2.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)
1.Pluralism holds that all religions are equally valid (P).
2.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)

1.Interfaith dialogue avoids addressing fundamental theological differences (P).
2. 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)
1.Pluralism discourages exclusive truth claims (P).
2. 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.

Question 10

3. Summary of Scholars Referenced

Answer 10

John Hick (20th Century) – Advocates pluralism as a framework for understanding religious diversity.
Diana Eck (21st Century) – Argues that pluralism deepens rather than diminishes religious identity.
Charles Taylor (21st Century) – Highlights the challenges of secularization in pluralistic societies.
Rowan Williams (21st Century) – Defends the compatibility of secular pluralism and vibrant religious expression.
Alister McGrath (21st Century) – Critiques pluralism for potentially leading to moral relativism.
Lesslie Newbigin (20th Century) – Criticizes pluralism for undermining the Christian mission.
Paul Knitter (20th Century) – Advocates interfaith dialogue focused on practical cooperation rather than theological resolution.
Gavin D’Costa (21st Century) – Emphasizes respectful evangelism within the framework of pluralism.