Religious Pluralism and Society (1)

Question 1

What did Crane and Matten define globalisation as?

Answer 1

• Described it as ‘deterritorisation’ due to the increasing links between the world
• Impact of this is that religious language and belief systems are not isolated or particular to a culture or location
• Instead they all counter each other

Question 2

What is the post-enlightenment mindset?

Answer 2

• Post enlightenment thinkers had an emphasis on tolerance and human rights
• Since 18th Century western societies have developed values based upon human reason and experience and not on religion or revealed knowledge

Question 3

What is the humanitarian principle according to Steven Pinker?

Answer 3

• The idea humans get on better when they take into account the interests of others
• Works on the assumption that we are rational beings capable of respecting the interest of others
• Post enlightenment thinking has adopted this

Question 4

How has migration affected pluralism in society?

Answer 4

• Act of moving a person or group of persons from one region to another
• Reasons could be economic improvement, family reunification and safety
• Result is an influx of various religions
• Christianity can no longer assume they are the primary religion

Question 5

How was inter-faith dialogue present even before the Roman Empire adopted Christianity as their religion?

Answer 5

• They had a period of time without political power
• During this they had to negotiate with neighbours of different faith in their day to day existence

Question 6

What is dialogue with the ‘other’ ?

Answer 6

• Dialogue with other religions and faiths
• Argument that without this Christianity would not have developed its own distinctive range of beliefs
• The word ‘other’ is used to develop the purpose of contemporary inter-faith dialogue

Question 7

How does Jacques Derrida use the word ‘other’ positively through her notion of ‘différance’?

Answer 7

• She uses ‘other’ positively to acknowledge a variety of views, she refers to the open endedness of the world
• She refers to this as ‘différance’
• When ‘différence’ is considered the ‘other’ it is used positively and changes the purpose of dialogue as a creative process of mutual understanding

Question 8

How can ‘other’ be used negatively?

Answer 8

• The notion of other cane used negatively to promote sexism and racism
• A goal of inter-faith dialogue is to reduce othering, promote understanding and reduce prejudice

Question 9

How might RAE Christians misuse inter-faith dialogue?

Answer 9

• They see inter-faith dialogue as an opportunity to expose more people to the gospel
• Exercise fides ex auditu
• They want to use all people to be exposed to Christianity as it is not possible to know the elect

Question 10

How might UAE Christians use inter-faith dialogue?

Answer 10

• Will consider the dialogue to be genuine and want to create respect for ‘others’
• They believe Christianity is not the one route to salvation and there are ‘rays of truth’ (Vatican II)
• Inter-faith dialogue is central to Church development of pastoral care

Question 11

Why does Michael Barnes believe inter-faith dialogue is the ‘risky’ option for Christianity?

Answer 11

• It is the risky option as it causes them to question the teaching of the Church
• They attempt to find a middle ground between Christian and non-Christian beliefs
• The Christian truth becomes relativised

Question 12

What are Karl Barths view on inter-faith dialogue?

Answer 12

• He calls for Christians to enter dialogue with deep humility and openness
• He argues we don’t know when God reveals himself but dialogue develops ones own faith
• He says even ‘lesser lights’ reflects the light of Christ
• Dialogue must be in a spirit of openness, humility and non-judgement

Question 13

When does Structural Inclusivist David Ford’s believe inter-faith dialogue works best?

Answer 13

• When theological common ground has been established
• Differences are discussed in a spirit of collegiality

Question 14

Why does David Ford call the differences found in inter-faith dialogue an ‘ecology of blessings’?

Answer 14

• He believes it creates an environment of study, discussion, debate and friendship
• Causes people to force themselves to think about what they believe
• Everyone comes from a different religion but share the same world of religion

Question 15

How does David Fords ‘ecology of blessing’ have biblical support?

Answer 15

• Story of the call of Abraham
• In the story God says he will bless those who bless Abraham, and curse those who curse him
• Abraham, is regarded in Judaism, Christianity and Islam showing all these religions are under the same ‘ecology of blessing’

Question 16

‘Speak the Truth’ was published in 2000 subtitled ‘A Jewish Statement on Christians and Christianity’ - What was this?

Answer 16

• Signed by over 150 rabbis and Jewish Scholars from the USA, Canada, UK and Israel
• Calls for Jews to learn about Christians efforts to honour Judaism and calls for Christians to reflect on what Judaism may now say about Christianity
• Challenges Christianity on the basis of individuals and an institution given its poor treatment of Jews in the past

Question 17

A Common Word Between Us and You’ was published in 2007 - What was this?

Answer 17

• A letter from 138 Muslim scholars and leaders to the leaders of Christian Churches
• Based on the Qur’an 3:64 and the ‘common’ word being the love of God and neighbour in the quest for peace and justice
• Has caused lots of inter-faith dialogue - largest one by Dr Rowan Williams
• 50 church leaders and scholars met and produced a letter called the ‘Common Word for the Good’
• Dialogue between the two letters represents how inter-faith work can operate internationally and an institutional level

Question 18

What is central to theological pluralism and inter-faith dialogue?

Answer 18

‘Différance’ - religious truth is multi-faceted and dialogue enhances ones own spiritual view

Question 19

What is the aim of inter-faith dialogue according to Keith Ward who supports PTP?

Answer 19

• Inter-faith dialogue aids the development of a ‘global faith’
• Global faith is an attitude of openness who wants to understand other tradition to deepen and develop their own

Question 20

What is Kieth Wards ‘global faith’ NOT trying to do?

Answer 20

• Not looking for common ground, but rather enjoying disagreement and difference
• Disagreement resists the tendency of globalisation which treats all religions are the same

Question 21

What is the view of Universal Theological Pluralists and the purpose of inter-faith dialogue?

Answer 21

• All religions are part of the same underlying reality
• Provides inter-faith dialogue an ability to promote ‘global theology’ and the possibility of world peace
• Involves educating people that the myths of each religion are not concerned with making ultimate claims about truth
• It is about overcoming ego and selfishness, living a reality-centred existence

Question 22

What is the purpose of inter-faith dialogue for Ethical Theological Pluralists?

Answer 22

• Emphasis on living unselfishly
• They think this should be done by using the insight of the great world religions

Question 23

What does ETP supporter Paul Knitter believe the purpose of inter-faith dialogue is?

Answer 23

• Not theological but rather practical
• Knitter argues religions must resolve common problems such as working for peace in combatting extremism and radicalisation
• Only once this is done can religion reflect and discuss theologically and philosophically how it understands and applies its teaching

Question 24

Can inter-faith dialogue be deemed superficial?

Answer 24

• If we are unable to say why other religions are wrong it becomes superficial
• if it becomes too theological, technical and focused on leaders and teachers it can become superficial
• Marginalises ordinary members of faith communities and becomes superficial as those without in depth knowledge cannot take part