Should Christian communities seek to convert people from other faiths? Flashcards
(11 cards)
Introduction
- Contextualise the question
- Thesis
The question of whether Christian communities should seek to convert people of other faiths is increasingly complex in a pluralist world. Whereas Christianity has long held that salvation is through Christ alone, modern multi-faith societies challenge the ethics and practicality of religious conversion.
Some Christians uphold evangelism as a biblical duty, while others argue that respectful dialogue is more appropriate. Documents such as Redemptoris Missio and Sharing the Gospel of Salvation illustrate attempts to reconcile the missionary impulse with interfaith respect.
This essay argues that Christian communities should share their faith, but conversion should never be forced or pursued at the cost of mutual understanding and respect. Christianity must uphold its theological convictions while also embracing dialogue in a religiously diverse world.
Paragraph 1
Main Paragraph 1: Evangelism as a Christian Duty – Inclusivist Approaches
Point:
Christian scriptures and Church tradition support the view that evangelism, including efforts to convert, is a key aspect of discipleship.
Main Paragraph 1: Evangelism as a Christian Duty – Inclusivist Approaches
Evidence
• Matthew 28:19 commands Christians to “go and make disciples of all nations,” forming the foundation for the traditional missionary impulse.
• Redemptoris Missio (Pope John Paul II, 1990) teaches that inter-religious dialogue is part of the Church’s evangelizing mission, not separate from it.
• It adopts an inclusivist position: while truth and holiness may exist in other religions, the Church alone possesses the fullness of the means of salvation.
• Christians are encouraged to be respectful but confident in their faith, with dialogue “based on hope and love.”
• Similarly, Sharing the Gospel of Salvation (Church of England, 2010) encourages evangelism as “proclamation” rather than coercion, avoiding “bullying or manipulative” tactics.
Main Paragraph 1: Evangelism as a Christian Duty – Inclusivist Approaches
Evaluation
This inclusivist approach strikes a balanced position. It honours the central Christian claim that salvation is through Christ while acknowledging goodness in other religions.
The emphasis on respectful dialogue avoids the aggressive proselytism historically associated with missionary work.
However, even when done respectfully, the intent to convert can imply the inferiority of other faiths. Critics argue that even non-coercive evangelism can undermine the dignity of other traditions, particularly when carried out in interfaith contexts where mutual respect is fragile.
Additionally, the idea that the Church is the “ordinary means of salvation” may be perceived as spiritually arrogant or outdated in secular and pluralistic societies.
Main Paragraph 1: Evangelism as a Christian Duty – Inclusivist Approaches
Conclusion to paragraph
Nevertheless, these sources suggest that evangelism remains compatible with interfaith respect, so long as the focus is on authentic witness rather than conquest or cultural dominance.
Christian communities can rightly share their faith, but should avoid any behaviour that pressures or invalidates others.
Paragraph 2
Main Paragraph 2: Pluralist Approaches – Mutual Understanding over Conversion
Point:
An alternative Christian approach is to focus on dialogue and understanding, not conversion, especially in contexts where religious diversity is the norm.
Main Paragraph 2: Pluralist Approaches – Mutual Understanding over Conversion
Evidence
• The Scriptural Reasoning Movement is a practical outworking of this approach.
• Originally a Jewish initiative, it now includes Christians and Muslims meeting to read and discuss scriptures on shared themes (e.g., family, justice).
• Crucially, the goal is not to convert or reach agreement, but to engage with other traditions and learn from them.
• This pluralist practice promotes mutual respect and deep listening without compromising individual belief systems.
Main Paragraph 2: Pluralist Approaches – Mutual Understanding over Conversion
Evaluation
This approach is highly relevant in multi-faith societies. It encourages peaceful coexistence and helps defuse religious tension by fostering dialogue rather than debate.
For many Christians, witnessing through example—living faithfully rather than arguing persuasively—can be a powerful form of testimony.
However, critics argue that such pluralism risks relativising religious truth. If all faiths are treated as equally valid, it may undermine the unique truth claims of Christianity, particularly the exclusivist claim that Christ is the only means of salvation. Some argue this could lead to a weakening of Christian identity or mission.
Yet, Scriptural Reasoning does not require theological compromise. Instead, it invites Christians to engage confidently but humbly, listening without the immediate goal of conversion. In many cases, this can strengthen rather than dilute faith.
Main Paragraph 2: Pluralist Approaches – Mutual Understanding over Conversion
Conclusion to paragraph
Pluralist approaches such as Scriptural Reasoning provide an ethical and spiritually mature model for engagement with other religions.
Though it does not pursue conversion, it supports Christian witness through presence, understanding, and shared inquiry, which may in itself be a form of quiet evangelism.
Conclusion
Christian communities should seek to share their faith, as this remains a core biblical and theological imperative.
However, this should not always take the form of active attempts to convert, particularly when such efforts risk alienating or disrespecting others. Documents like Redemptoris Missio and Sharing the Gospel of Salvation provide a framework for respectful evangelism rooted in love and dialogue.
Meanwhile, movements like Scriptural Reasoning demonstrate that Christians can be faithful to their beliefs while engaging deeply with those of other faiths.
LOA
In conclusion, Christian communities should not stop proclaiming the gospel, but must redefine evangelism not as conquest but as conversation. Conversion may result organically, but the goal should be faithfulness to Christ expressed through love, understanding, and authentic relationship.
