religious pluralism and theology Flashcards
(4 cards)
what is exclusivism
humanity is fallen and the broken relationship with God was restored by christ. nobody deserves to be saved and everyone needs God to help them with salvation. Salvation is only achievable through christianity. other religions have rays of truths but only christianity is the full truth
uses john 14:6, i am the way and the truth of life, no one comes to the father except through me
what is inclusivism
this is the idea that although christianity is the true faith an omnibelevolent God wouldnt condemn all non christians to hell. Jesus’ death on the cross had an effect on non christians and non christians can access this effect through participation in ways of life. e.g. people may live a christian moral way of life without being a christian.
parable of the sheep and goat proves this,
karl rahner adopted the term anonymous christian, he spoke about those who lived before christ, would they have been sent to hell?. people can be an anonymous christian if they live a good life.
what is pluralism
religious experience is found in all faith traditions and so people were experiencing the same reality in different ways.
all religions deserve salvation, an omnibelevolent God wouldnt grant salvation to only christians
“and what does the lord require of you, to act justly and walkwith and serve your God”
whos in control of salvation
in exclusivist circles a key belief of salvation is that it doesnt exist outside of the church( extra ecclesiam nulla saus)- this is most commonly found in calvinism and catholicism. if beig a member of church is necessary for salvation and God made the church its valid to suggest God is in control of those who are saved.
romans 10:13 states everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, this is another example of human free choice. if we dont call on God we dont deserve salvation.
