1. Christianity Theme 3 F
Historical developments in religious thought – challenges from pluralism and diversity within a tradition: Difference between religious pluralism and tolerance of religious diversity; the exclusivist and inclusivist views expressed in the Christian Bible (Deut 6:5; Joshua 23:16; John 14:6; Acts 4:12); the contribution of John Hick and Karl Rahner to Christian inclusivism (and the difference between their positions); the differences between Christian universalism and pluralistic universalism.

2. Key vocab
Religious tolerance = accepting that other religions have a right to exist and practice
Religious pluralism= the observation that there are many religions. OR the view that all religions reflect divine truth
Pluralistic universalism = all religions offer salvation
Inclusivism= the view that while only one religion has the complete truth, other religions may have partial truth
Exclusivism–only one religion is true and only those who accept it will be saved

3. 3 F Three Christian Views on pluralism and diversity – listen to the overview and then complete the table - 32
Exclusivism
Inclusivism
Pluralism
Salvation belongs exclusively to Christians.
Supported by Fundamentalist and evangelical Christians.
Cyprian of Cathage (3rd century theologian) ‘outside the church there is not salvation.’
Biblical support
Joshua 23:16 ‘“If you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you . . .you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you.”
John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Acts 4:12:“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Christ’s work brings salvation to all people.
Karl Rahner (Catholic Theologian) – all humans have knowledge of something beyond the finite realm and have an innate yearning for it. People could have an implicit awareness of God without explicitly recognising it. God offered grace to all people.
Anonymous Christianity
Before Jesus there were other ways to come to God – are there other ways today?
‘The God-pleasing pagan.’ Non Christians can find a right relationship with God. People might not have the opportunity to learn about Jesus.
The Church should respect those it is trying to convert. Christianity is a ‘higher stage of development of faith.’
The Church should have a positive attitude to non Christians and be thankful for the full expression of God that they understand.
Christianity is only one way to know God amongst others that are all equally valid.
John Hick – ‘Let us begin with the recognition, which is made in all the main religious traditions, that the ultimate driving reality is infinite and as such transcends the grasp of the human mind.’
Hick criticises both exclusivist and inclusivist approaches.
Pluralistic universalism
There is an experiential basis to all religions, the noumenon. Humans interpret this through their historical, social and cultural contexts, phenomenal.
Buddhist parable of the blind men feeling different parts of an elephant – they describe it in different ways depending on what part of the anatomy they touch. In the same way humans can only have partial understanding of ultimate reality.
Hick rejects the birth narratives of Jesus as historical events and see resurrection as a spiritual event rather than a physical or literal one.
Jesus is an example people can follow who opens up the reality of God to them.
Jesus supported pluralism – love neighbour

7. Exclusivism Inclusivism Pluralism Biblical evidence John 14:6
Exclusivism
Inclusivism
Pluralism
Biblical evidence
 John 14:6
Acts 4:12
 Acts 17 – Paul talked positively about Pagans ‘People of Athens! I can see that in every way you are very religious..’
Good Samaritan
Branches of the Church associated with this
 Fundamentalist and evangelical
 Catholic
Scholars /Sources
 Cyprian of Carthage (3rd Century theologian)
 Rahner
Pelagius (although not directly)
 Hick and Knitter
(Kant – noumena and phenomena)
Arguments
Problems
Criticised by Hick
 Criticised by Hick
Knitter
Hans Kung
 Criticised by many Christians
Barth

8. How does a Christian pluralist deal with biblical language that is exclusive?
Absolutist language is a result of historical factors.
Titles given to Jesus are not propositional truths (can be proved) but literary or symbolic expressions of experience
‘Christ is more than Jesus’
Knitter – the Bible supports pluralism – Good Samaritan and love your neighbour as yourself

9. Can a Christian be a pluralist? Does the Bible support exclusivism?
See arguments in support of pluralism – Hick and Knitter
See arguments against exclusivism and inclusivism
See arguments against Rahner
See arguments against pluralism
See arguments for exclusivism and inclusivism
See arguments against Hick
Does the Bible support exclusivism?
See Bible passages in support of exclusivism
Exclusivism is the traditional view of Catholic and Protestant churches, suggests there must be a strong Biblical basis
See Bible passages in support of inclusivism
See arguments from inclusivism and pluralism against the exclusivist interpretation
Knitter and Hick