inclusivism

• two types of inclusivism:

  • closed = takes the approach that one religion does contain all truth, but other religions have some aspects of it
  • open = 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 author of Luke/Acts + Paul in his letter to the Christians in Rome stresses God showing no favouritism: salvation is open to all; it is based on people's adherence to or rejection of the natural sense of morality
  • Barth: based on his belief that all human nature has been so corrupted by the Fall that everyone, regardless of religion, is totally dependent for salvation on God's grace
  • Rahner: anonymous Christians
• Rahner's concept of "anonymous Christians"

  • the view that non-Christians are able to experience grace + salvation
  • this is an attempt to reflect the inclusive teaching + lifestyle of Jesus, as seen in the Gospels
  • it sees God's power as transcending human limitations caused by ignorance, error + evil inclinations
  • God's grace is at work in all people - not limited to Christians
  • non-Christians may be saved through good moral conduct, which is not dependent on belief in Christ (similar to justification by works)
  • Rahner's view is that non-Christian religions have much in common with Christianity
• criticisms of Rahner's anonymous Christians:

  • fundamentalists have condemned its inclusivist approach
  • some liberal Christians, notably Hick, have accused it of paternalism
  • it is insulting to other faiths, which should be respected in their own right + not in terms of what they have in common with Christianity
  • Hick claimed that Rahner's view implied that other religions are flawed