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St.Mark's Adult Education
Models of Engagement - Dr. Sarah Borden
We will be reviewing several of the world's major religions in our Adult Forum this fall. As an introduction, Philosophy professor Sarah Borden shared with us three distinct viewpoints in the philosophy of religions: Pluralism, Exclusivism, and Inclusivism.
Pluralism is the belief that there are many valid ways to God and any of the major world religions is just as valid as any others. John Hick is one of the most influential theologians who holds this belief.
Exclusivism is the belief that there is only one correct path to God and hence only one religion that is true. Exclusivists may still value aspects of other religions. For example, they may admire a Muslim's commitment to prayer. Many Christians are exclusivists because they believe that only followers of Jesus Christ will obtain everlasting life.
Inclusivism is the belief that there is one true and correct path to God, but there are elements of other faiths that are also true. This model is frequently portrayed as a set of concentric circles. For inclusivist Christians, Christianity is the "bulls-eye" but other beliefs and behaviors can approach it in validity. Karl Rahner, a Jesuit theologian developed the inclusivist idea of the "Anonymous Christian" as a way to deal with the troubling issue of how a loving God could condemn individuals who have had no opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ. Christ is still the way to everlasting life, but the Holy Spirit may bring unbelievers to Christ in ways we cannot understand.
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