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Many religions & truth: general introduction. The problem Three general positions 1. Exclusivism (Borland) 2. Inclusivism (Rahner)
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Many religions & truth: general introduction • The problem • Three general positions • 1. Exclusivism (Borland) • 2. Inclusivism (Rahner) • C.S. Lewis: “I think that every prayer which is sincerely made even to a false God . . . Is accepted by the true God and that Christ saves many who do not think they know him.” Many religions & truth - 1
Many religions & truth: general introduction • 3. Pluralism (Hick) Many religions & truth - 2
Many religions & truth:James Borland • A defense of exlusivism: James Borland • Some comparisons of Christianity with other religions • God’s attributes • Human nature • Christology • Theories of salvation • Conclusion: The differences are too great for reconciliation Many religions & truth - 3
Many religions & truth:Karl Rahner • A defense of inclusivism: Karl Rahner (German Jesuit, 1904-1984) • Is a tendency toward exclusivism within Christianity. Why? • Arguments for inclusivism (or even pluralism?), for regarding other religions as “lawful religions” (506) • Nature of God - God desires the salvation of all persons Many religions & truth - 4
Many religions & truth:Karl Rahner • Moral reason - are many good and sincere persons outside of Christianity • All persons are touched by God and many respond. • But all non-Christian religions contain flaws & come in degrees -- some are closer to a right relationship with God than others. Many religions & truth - 5
Many religions & truth:Karl Rahner • Those from non-Christian religions who respond to God are “anonymous Christians” (511, 512) and are living “anonymous Christianity” (513). • Problem: Why prosylatize? • Being a Christian is still a “higher stage of development” (512). • Comments & criticisms • The arrogance issue Many religions & truth - 6