intro

theology of religion: a branch of Christian theology that looks at the relationship between Christianity and other world religions from a Christian perspective

the emergence of Christianity

• Christianity emerged from Judaism amidst Greek and roman religions.

• Jesus, a jew, claimed to be the son of god, sparking controversy.

• his teachings are the foundation of Christianity.

• early Christianity relied on letters to guide congregations.

• these letters addressed Christianity's role in society and its stance on Jewish customs.

• writings also guided efforts to convert others to the faith.

• Christianity viewed itself as the sole path to salvation, being exclusivist

exclusivism: the view that only Christianity offers the full means of salvation. as proposed n argued by Jesus, Augustine, Calvin, Hendrik, Kraemer, Karl Barth, Gavin DaCosta

inclusivism: the view that although Christianity is the normative means of salvation, ‘anonymous’ Christians may also receive salvation. as proposed and argued by Karl Rahner

pluralism: the view that there are many ways to salvation of which Christianity is one path. as proposed and argued by John Hick n Raimon Panikkar