Summary of Inclusivism

• Inclusivism in Christianity says that other religions (or Christian denominations) may have aspects of belief that are the same or compatible with Christianity (or the 'true' denomination) and are therefore themselves 'true'
• What are the two types of inclusivism?

  Closed and open
• Closed inclusivism= the approach that one religion does contain all truth, but that other religions have some aspects of it
• Open inclusivism= adopts the approach that one religion has a better grasp of the truth than others, but not all aspects, so it can learn from others
• Interpretations of inclusivism:

  The approach taken by the author of Luke/Acts and by Paul in his letter to the Christians in Rome stresses God showing no favouritism. Salvation is open to all and it is based on people's adherence to or rejection of the natural sense of morality that is an inbuilt feature of the world
• Interpretations of inclusivism:

  Barth's view is based on his belief that all human nature has been so corrupted by the Fall that everyone, regardless of religion, is totally dependent on salvation on God's grace
• Interpretations of inclusivism:

  The Catholic theologian Karl Rahner developed the idea of 'anonymous' Christians