Discussion Points: Pluralism Undermining Beliefs
Religious Studies: OCR A Level, topic 3.7.4
Does Pluralism Undermine Core Christian Beliefs?
Here are some thoughts about whether pluralism underlines aspects of Christianity or not.
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.
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’.
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.
Preserves God's omnibenevolence
- Theological pluralism preserves God’s omnibenevolence as salvation is available to everyone.
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.
Relationship with God
- The pluralist position forces believers to focus on beliefs which are central to a relationship with God.
Test yourself on Discussion Points: Pluralism Undermining Beliefs
What contradiction is there in theological pluralism?