quote to support exclusivism
John 14 (the way, the truth and the life…)
two scholars who advocated for narrow exclusivism
Calvin (elect) and augustine (grace)
Catholic Church motto for exclusivism
extra ecclesial nulla salus
my favourite scholar of exclusivism
hendrik Kraemer. non-christians can only achieve salvation if the covert because Christ is the only way. other religions may have some similarities but religions should be seen as a whole
scholar who supports exclusivism. strong argument
Karl Barth - God revealed himself for a reason, to let us into a relationship with him
most prominent scholar for inclusivism (but in reality just proves that it always falls back to exclusivism). also which biblical parable supports him
kahl rahner. anonymous christians can be saved; after the Vatican II (influenced by Rahner) they accepted this, those who follow their conscience will also get into heaven. Christianity is the ‘absolute’ religion and is unique because of its revelation of JC
- biblical support (parable of the sheep and goats)
additional support scholar for exclusivism (German)
von Balthsar says that the crucifixion and resurrection are absolutely central to salvation and they should not be appeasing other faiths
pluralism main scholar, links to UTP
John hick - two people can experience the phenomenal differently even if it’s coming from the same noumenal being
was in Berlin which was very multicultural
unitary theological pluralism
kant - we can only be agnostic because it lies in the noumenal world. all authentic religions follow Kant’s categorical imperative of only doing what is good for all - turning selfishness into selflessness
ding-an-sich (for pluralism)
part of Kant and Hick in terms of ding-an-sich is the thing in itself, the essence, that we cannot fully understand
biggest problem with unitary theological pluralism
theocentric not christocentric. revelations are treated as myths not facts so can lead to appropriation and insignificance
weaknesses of exclusivism
- omnibenevolent god?
- we can’t understand God - may have revealed himself to other people, like what about before JC (counter: r.e. other religions, this doesn’t matter because other religions still actively go against what is taught - Islam JC isn’t SoG)
(- biblical passages picked - UAE issue; goes against exclusivism because the whole point is that it has to be reciprocal
- Imperialist language)
strengths of exclusivism
- theologically consistent. doesn’t water down christianity
- salvation is still available to all
- consistent scriptural support
weaknesses of inclusivism
- other religions wouldn’t agree; they still can’t receive salvation
- supernatural revelation permitted outside of Christianity which is inconsistent with Christ as being the only way to salvation
(- uses imperialist language - uses the parable of the sheep and goats but exclusivism uses this too)
strengths of inclusivism
- allows for early christians to be saved. more omnibenevolent
- maintains christioncentrism rather than theological
- potential support (actual weakness) parable of the sheep and goats
strengths of pluralism
- maintains the purpose of religion
- Keith Ward: although different, all beliefs are equally valid, differences are just cultural - ding an-sich. doesn’t reject particular aspects of religion
- hick - noumenal. blind men and elephant
weaknesses of pluralism
- undermines all religions
- religion becomes pointless as it’s proven to be fake (Hume). contradictory truth claims
- doesn’t acknowledge other religions that don’t have divinity - overgeneralising as some religions aren’t about a higher divine reality (buddhism) (weak criticism)
what fable does Hick use for pluralism
blind men and the elephant
interfaith dialogue
scriptural reasoning movement - understand not convert
mission and conversion
papal encyclical - redemptoris missio says missionary work is essential but must be tolerant of freedom to choose
criticisms of pluralism and society
orthodoxy; reasonable; authority of scripture; non-abrahamic faiths; relativism
