religious pluralism n society

What do traditional Christians (Eddy, Ratzinger, JP2) believe about dialogue and conversion?

They argue dialogue and conversion can be combined and should not be separated

What do post-liberal Christians (David Ford’s ‘Scriptural Reasoning’) believe about dialogue and conversion?

They argue dialogue and conversion must be separated to ensure genuine interfaith discussion

What do secular liberals (e.g., Christopher Hitchens) believe about dialogue and conversion?

They argue dialogue and conversion must be separated, as conversion undermines mutual respect

What is scriptural reasoning?

A modern interfaith dialogue movement where people of different religions read and discuss each other’s scriptures to promote understanding and friendship

What are the rules of scriptural reasoning?

Criticising other religions and attempting conversion is not allowed; the goal is mutual understanding

Why do critics argue the liberal approach to interfaith dialogue is self-contradictory?

t claims to accept religious difference but forbids key religious expressions like conversion, criticism, and faith declaration

How does the liberal approach to interfaith dialogue lead to relativism?

It suggests all religions are equally valid, which undermines genuine faith commitments

How does scriptural reasoning differ from the liberal approach?

It is ‘post-liberal’—allowing people to express their religious convictions while still promoting understanding

What is Gavin D’Costa’s main criticism of scriptural reasoning?

He argues it is relativistic because it excludes exclusivist religious claims, making it just another liberal approach

How does D’Costa argue scriptural reasoning fails to be true interfaith dialogue?

By prohibiting criticism and conversion, it prevents religious people from fully expressing their beliefs

How does scriptural reasoning risk being like the liberal approach?

If it forbids exclusivism, it sacrifices the ‘faith’ element for the sake of ‘dialogue’

Why do some argue conversion undermines interfaith dialogue?

It can create conflict and reduce mutual respect, making peaceful discussion harder

Why do some argue conversion must be part of genuine interfaith dialogue?

Because conversion is central to many faiths, and excluding it makes dialogue inauthentic

What is the purpose of scriptural reasoning?

To foster understanding, not to determine which religion is true

Why is scriptural reasoning not necessarily promoting relativism?

It does not claim all religions are equal—just that understanding others is valuable

How do secular liberals try to resolve interfaith tensions?

By pressuring religious people towards pluralism, which discourages exclusivist attitudes

What do Ratzinger and Paul Eddy argue about secular liberalism?

t marginalises Christianity by making exclusivist beliefs seem intolerant

What does Paul Eddy say about secular society and Christianity?

He argues secularism strategically marginalises Christianity in the public sphere

Why does secular society pressure religious people towards pluralism?

To reduce social tensions by discouraging exclusivist and conversion-based beliefs

How has religious backlash against secular liberalism manifested?

Increased religious activism, such as the overturning of abortion laws in the US

How does Christopher Hitchens justify social pressure against exclusivism?

Exclusivism causes social problems, and making people feel guilty for it is necessary

What is the fundamental conflict between liberalism and religion?

Liberalism values tolerance, but religious exclusivism contradicts this

What is Hans Küng’s criticism of Catholic inclusivism?

It is ‘presumptuous’ to say non-Christians unknowingly follow the Christian God

Why does John Hick find Catholic inclusivism offensive?

It assumes other religions are just incomplete versions of Christianity

What is John Paul II’s (JP2) view on interfaith dialogue and conversion?

Dialogue is good, but its ultimate goal should be conversion

What does JP2 argue in Redemptoris Missio about conversion?

Conversion is positive and part of a free society; it should be done respectfully

What does Sharing the Gospel of Salvation (Church of England) say about conversion?

Conversion is central to Christianity but should be done respectfully, not aggressively

Why do secular liberals argue conversion is insensitive?

It has historically caused violence, forced conversions, and social tensions

How does Giles Fraser critique Christian conversion efforts?

Christianity still benefits from past forced conversions and should focus on reparations

What is a key debate in interfaith dialogue and conversion?

Whether conversion should be part of dialogue or kept separate for the sake of social cohesion