Many religions & truth - 1

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 - 2

Many religions & truth: general introduction

– 3. Pluralism (Hick)

Many religions & truth - 3

Many religions & truth:James Borland

A defense of exlusivism: James Borland– Some comparisons of Christianity

with other religions God’s attributesHuman natureChristologyTheories of salvation

– Conclusion: The differences are too great for reconciliation

Many religions & truth - 4

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 - 5

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 - 6

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