Pluralism

• Definition of Exclusivism

  The belief that only Christianity has true knowledge of religion.
• Definition of Inclusivism

  Other religions can have truth but Christianity is ultimately true.
• Definition of Pluralism

  The belief that all belief systems are equally valid with equal claim to truth.
• Exclusivism


  Only Christianity fully offers the means of salvation. Some of those who belief this prefer the term, particularist.

  Karl Barth is an exclusivist.

  He believes that salvation is only possible through Christ and on Judgement day, Christ will triumph over the unbelief.

  Only Christ has paid the price and so salvation is only possible through Christ.
• Inclusivism


  Although Christianity is the normative means of salvation, 'anonymous Christians' may also receive salvation.

  Key inclusivist: Karl Rahner.
• Grace


  God's grace is essential for salvation. Although without Jesus' actions people would not be able to be saved, grace can be mediated through non-Christian religions
• Anonymous Christians


  People who arn't Christians but act like one have implicity accepted God's grace and are able to lead Christian lives unconsciously. It is only valid if the person encounters Christianity and embrace it.
• Creation and History


  God created the world and is knowable through it. Even though sinful humans are unable to come to direct knowledge of God through creation, they can indirectly be aware of Him.

  Rahner reinterprets the idea of a church. There is a visible church, but also an invisible church, where members are not aware of their membership. Wanting to be a part of a church is enough for salvation.
• Transcendental Theology


  Similar to Calvin’s sensus divinatus, Rahner believes that humans are capable of being receptive to a transcendent God. Humans are both material and spiritual – so are capable of receiving God’s transcendental grace.
• Rahner has four theses:

  1. Christianity is the one true religion
  2. A non-Christian religion can mediate salvation
  3. The non-Christian should know nothing about God.
  4. The church is a visible symbol of a hidden reality.
• Pluralism


  Where different religions can all be paths to salvation.

  Key pluralist: John Hick

  Heavily inspired by Kant's ideas between the noumena of the world and the phenomena of the divine.

  Argues that all religions led to the same reality 'The Real'.

  Criticises inclusivism and attempts to create a global theology, providing a method of theology, accounting for all religions. This enables creative inter-faith dialogue.
• Pluralism is compatible with Christianity


  The idea of Global Theology.

  Christianity is still valid.

  Hick was a Christian.
• Pluralism is not compatible with Christianity


  Contradicts the Bible in John 14.

  Christianity is equal with other religions.

  Logically incompatible.