Rahner's concept of 'anonymous' Christians

• Anonymous Christians= Karl Rahner's view that non-Christians are able to experience grace and salvation
• This is an attempt tor reflect the inclusive teaching and lifestyle of Jesus, as seen in the Gospels
• It sees God's power as transcending human limitations caused by ignorance, error and evil inclinations
• God's grace is at work in all people; it is not limited to Christians
• Non-Christians may be saved through good moral conduct, which is not dependent on belief in Christ. This is reminiscent of the belief in justification by works
• Rahner's view is that non-Christian religions have much in common with Christianity
• Criticisms of Rahner's concept:

  Fundamentalists have condemned its inclusivist approach
• Criticisms of Rahner's concept:

  Some liberal Christians, notably John Hick, have accused it of paternalism. It is insulting to other faiths, which should be respected in their own right and not in terms of what they have in common with Christianity. Hick claimed that Rahner's view implied that other religions are flawed