Pluralism and Theology Summary Notes

Biblical Basis of Exclusivism

• Exclusivism: Belief that only one religion is true and only its followers can be saved.
• John 14:6: Jesus states he is "the way, truth, and life" - supports exclusivism.
  • It implies Christianity is the only true path.
  • Faith in Jesus is traditionally viewed as necessary for salvation.

Evaluation

• Compatibilism with Inclusivism: Arguably, Jesus's words "through me" are ambiguous regarding faith as the salvation pathway.
  • Could mean his sacrifice enables universal salvation.
  • Inclusivists suggest non-Christians can be saved by goodness, aligning with the sheep and goats parable.
• Further Evaluation: John 3:18 emphasizes belief as essential for salvation.

Augustine's Limited Election (Exclusivism)

• Premise: Only some Christians are saved by God’s grace.
  • Original sin causes inherent sinfulness, making humans undeserving of heaven through their deeds.
  • Salvation requires God’s unmerited grace, given to a select few.

Evaluation

• Pelagius's Critique: Questions justice in punishing humanity for original sin.
• Augustine's Response: God punishes inherent sinfulness, not Adam's sin directly.
  • Predestination is justified as original sin corrupts all.
  • Emphasizes faith in God’s just nature despite inscrutability.

Inclusivism

• Core Idea: One true religion exists, but others could also lead to salvation.
• Rahner’s Perspective: Non-Christians can be saved if they respond to God’s revelation in their religion ("anonymous Christians").

Evaluation

• Universal Access Exclusivism: Non-Christians receive the Christian message posthumously, offering a chance for salvation.
• Hick's Critique: Inclusivism and universal access exclusivism still imply hell for some.
  • Advocates for universalism - all eventually reach heaven.

Pluralism

• Concept: All religions are equally valid paths to salvation.
• Hick's Journey: Shifted from exclusivism to pluralism after witnessing diverse religious practices in Birmingham.
  • Religions are different interpretations of the same divine reality.
• Blind Men and the Elephant Parable: Illustrates religions as varied but valid perspectives of the same truth.

Evaluation

• Hume’s Argument: Contradictory truth claims across religions challenge pluralism.
• Hick's Counter: Contradictions are cultural projections, not truths.
  • All religions point to a higher, personal, good divine reality demanding righteousness and love.
  • Differences are interpretative, not indicative of separate truths.