rp theology discussion

• If Christ is the 'truth' can there be any other means of salvation? exclusivists/ no

  • John's Gospel -- I am the way and the truth and the life
  • Christs death on the cross brought grace and salvation to society
  • religions teach different things and therefore - Christ's sacrifice is key
  • modern world teaches tolerance but this doesn't lead to salvation
  • people should not be led by 'political correctness'
  • inclusivists/pluralists undermine Jesus - belief in many routes to salvation
• If Christ is the 'truth' can there be any other means of salvation? yes

  • exclusivists - God would not just leave people to not be saved
  • WILLIAM LANE CRAIG -- God's perfect knowledge is middle knowledge and this means that he knows everyone's intentions -- God can judge correctly those who are unable to here the gospel due to whatever reason
  • Hick - as a universalist would believe that God as a loving been would allow all to be saved
  • Sweetman - people put fluoride in the water for people to be healthier -- inclusivist view -- people may not realise they are following God but they are
• Does it make sense to claim that a loving God would ultimately deny any human being salvation? NO

  • pluralists and inclusivist view -> Hick and others would argue that the idea that God would deny anyone salvation is incompatible with the idea of God
  • WHY --> God could have revealed himself in different ways to people in different times and cultures as God is free to make himself known in his own way
• Does it make sense to claim that a loving God would ultimately deny any human being salvation? YES

  • Free choice - we have free will, so we must decide whether we have a relationship with God, God of love would not force someones choice by imposing salvation on them
  • Salvation is only for the elect - Augustine + Calvin would argue that everyone is tainted with OS - God offers salvation to those he loves
  • God is justice - unjust of God to give salvation to everyone even if they rejected him but were good
  • religion as pointless - salvation was given to everyone then Jesus sacrifice was for no reason
• Does Christian belief include the view that all good people will be saved? only faith

  • people struggle with the idea that good people who are not Christian may not be saved - many people have sacrificed their life fighting against injustice but were not Christian -- will they be saved
  • Faith Alone - JOHN 3 'for God so loved the world he gave his one and only sone, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life' EPHESIANS 2 'you have been saved through faith
  • SALVATION OFFERED TO THOSE WHO ACCEPT CHRIST
• Does Christian belief include the view that all good people will be saved? good action

  • Parable of the sheep and the goats - Son of Man is shown judging people not on their faith but on their actions
  • James 2 - faith without action is dead
  • Abraham - lived before Christ --> would he go to heaven if it was only based on faith
  • Inclusivist
• Does theological pluralism undermine the central Christian belief? Hick

  • pluralism presents a strong challenge to the belief that Jesus' death and resurrection as being unique events
  • brings the idea of what Christian beliefs are central
  • Hick - idea that there are divinely revealed truths, the virgin birth, belief in heaven and hell and the idea that God created the universe without anything CAN BE QUESTIONED
  • Hick - non cognitive mythological ways of expressing the human relationship with God should not be taken seriously
  • Hick - Bible is a symbol
• Does theological pluralism undermine the central Christian belief? Panikkar

  • Panikkar is seen as undermining Christianity less
  • He emphasises God's revelation in Christ and he does not disregard any Christian Doctrines
  • HOWEVER -->> he does encourage people to be open to the truths of other religions may be seen as undermining to the doctrine