Pluralism and theology

• What is the main topic of the summary notes provided on the page?

  Christian moral action
• What are the two versions of the summary notes available?

  A*-A grade and B-C grade
• What does exclusivism claim about religion?

  Only one religion is true and only members of it can be saved
• Which Bible verse is cited to support exclusivism?

  John 14:6
• What does John 14:6 imply about Jesus in the context of exclusivism?

  It suggests that only through faith in Jesus can a person be saved
• How does the interpretation of Jesus' statement in John 14:6 relate to pluralism?

  It suggests that pluralism cannot be right because it implies Jesus is only 'a truth', not 'the' truth
• What is the argument made by inclusivists regarding Jesus' statement 'through me'?

  They argue it could mean that anyone who is a good person can be saved
• How does the parable of the sheep and the goats relate to the inclusivist interpretation?


  It identifies those who are saved by their good acts, not their faith
• Which Bible verse explicitly mentions belief as a requirement for salvation?

  John 3:18
• What does belief mean in the context of ancient Judaism according to the study material?

  It meant to obey, not just intellectual assent
• How does Augustine's view of limited election relate to exclusivism?

  It suggests that only some Christians will be saved by God's grace
• What is the role of original sin in Augustine's argument?

  It gives all humans an irresistible temptation to sin, damning them to hell by default
• What does Augustine argue about God's grace?


  It is a gift that not all Christians will receive, only the limited 'elect'
• What is Pelagius' argument against Augustine's view of original sin?

  It is unjust for God to punish people for the actions of their ancestors
• How does Augustine respond to Pelagius' argument?


  He states that God punishes us because we are sinful beings, not because of Adam's actions
• What does Augustine mean by "secret yet just judgement of God"?

  It indicates that God's judgement is inscrutable but should be trusted as just
• What does inclusivism claim about salvation?

  Only one religion is true, but members of other religions could be saved
• What is Rahner's argument regarding Christians who have never heard of Jesus?


  It conflicts with omnibenevolence for them to be sent to hell
• How does Rahner propose God reaches non-Christians?


  By working through other religions and their conscience
• What term does Rahner use for non-Christians who respond well to God's revelation?

  Anonymous Christians
• What is the concept of universal access exclusivism?


  It proposes that those who never heard of Jesus could still be presented with the Christian message after death
• What is Hick's view on universalism?

  He believes only universalism is justified, meaning all people go to heaven
• What does Hume argue regarding punishment and justice?


  For punishment to count as justice, it must be proportionate to the crime
• How does Hick combine universalism with his soul-making theory?


  He concludes that people who fail to become virtuous must get another chance after death
• What does pluralism claim about religions?

  All religions are equally true and equal paths to salvation
• What led Hick to change his mind from exclusivism to pluralism?

  His experiences living in multicultural Birmingham
• What parable does Hick use to illustrate his view on religions?


  The parable of blind men and the elephant
• How does Hick interpret the different claims of religions?

  He sees them as different human interpretations of the one true divine reality
• What is Hume's argument against the truth of all religions?


  All religions cannot be true since they make contradictory truth claims
• How does Hick respond to the contradictions in religious claims?

  He argues that they can all be right as they point to the same higher divine reality
• What does Hick mean by 'conceptual lens' in relation to religion?


  It refers to the cultural projections that shape different interpretations of reality
• What is the central element Hick identifies in all religions?

  People opening their minds to a higher, personal and good divine reality that demands righteousness and love
• How does Hick describe the conflict between different religious beliefs?

  He states that they conflict in the sense that they are different but may still point to the same ultimate Reality
• What is the conclusion of Hick regarding the nature of religious beliefs?

  They are different interpretations of the same higher divine reality
• What does Hick suggest about the theological details of different religions?


  They are part of the 'conceptual lens' that different cultures project onto reality
• How does Hick view the relationship between cultural interpretations and religious truth?

  He believes that cultural interpretations may seem to conflict but are just different ways of understanding the same reality
• What does Hick identify as a common goal among all religions?

  To demand righteousness and love from their followers
• What does Hick mean by saying that different religions conflict?


  They conflict in the sense that they are different, but this does not negate their validity
• How does Hick's view challenge traditional exclusivism?

  It suggests that different religions can all be valid paths to the same divine reality
• What is the significance of the phrase "higher divine Reality" in Hick's philosophy?

  It represents the ultimate truth that all religions are attempting to understand