3.7.4

Discussion Points: Pluralism Undermining Beliefs

Test yourself

Does Pluralism Undermine Core Christian Beliefs?

Here are some thoughts about whether pluralism underlines aspects of Christianity or not.

Illustrative background for Hick's viewIllustrative background for Hick's view ?? "content

Hick's view

  • Hick’s pluralistic view requires Christians to take a very different understanding of the Bible.
  • If we view all Christianity truth claims as myth, the beliefs of Christianity are undermined.
Illustrative background for Pluralism is self-contradictory Illustrative background for Pluralism is self-contradictory  ?? "content

Pluralism is self-contradictory

  • Theological pluralism is self-contradictory. It states that there is no ‘right view’ which provides the full truth of God or ultimate reality but then proceeds to argue that the pluralist view is the ‘right view’.
Illustrative background for Rejects message about JesusIllustrative background for Rejects message about Jesus ?? "content

Rejects message about Jesus

  • Theological pluralism rejects the central message of Christianity that Jesus Christ came to remove sin and save humanity.
  • Theological pluralism is not a Christian position.
Illustrative background for Preserves God's omnibenevolenceIllustrative background for Preserves God's omnibenevolence ?? "content

Preserves God's omnibenevolence

  • Theological pluralism preserves God’s omnibenevolence as salvation is available to everyone.
Illustrative background for Genesis & miracles vs universeIllustrative background for Genesis & miracles vs universe ?? "content

Genesis & miracles vs universe

  • Aspects of traditional Christianity, such as the stories of Genesis or Jesus’ miracles, do not fit with the scientific understanding of the universe.
Illustrative background for Relationship with GodIllustrative background for Relationship with God ?? "content

Relationship with God

  • The pluralist position forces believers to focus on beliefs which are central to a relationship with God.

Jump to other topics

1Philosophy of Religion

1.1Ancient Philosophical Influences: Plato

1.2Ancient Philosophical Influences: Aristotle

1.3Ancient Philosophical Influences: Soul, Mind, Body

1.4The Existence of God - Arguments from Observation

1.5The Existence of God - Arguments from Reason

1.6Religious Experience

1.7The Problem of Evil

1.8The Nature & Attributes of God

1.9Religious Language: Negative, Analogical, Symbolic

1.10Religious Language: 20th Century Perspective

2Religion & Ethics

3Developments in Christian Thought

3.1Saint Augustine's Teachings

3.2Death & the Afterlife

3.3Knowledge of God's Existence

3.4The Person of Jesus Christ

3.5Christian Moral Principles

3.6Christian Moral Action

3.7Development - Pluralism & Theology

3.8Development - Pluralism & Society

3.9Gender & Society

3.10Gender & Theology

3.11Challenges

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