Discussion Points: Social Cohesion & Scripture
Religious Studies: OCR A Level, topic 3.8.4
Has Inter-Faith Dialogue Affected Social Cohesion?
Social cohesion is very difficult to measure. Crime statistics and social surveys can give indicators, but it's hard to determine what causes social issues and what efforts lead to social cohesion.
Not all believers agree
- Inter-faith dialogue does not lead to social cohesion as not all religious believers agree with inter-faith dialogue.
- For example, some religious believers may feel that inter-faith dialogue undermines the uniqueness and truth of their own religion.
Social divides > religious divides
- Social cohesion does not arise from inter-faith dialogue because the problems that divide society are bigger than differences in religious belief.
- Inequalities in areas of life such as employment, education and income need to be resolved to see greater social cohesion.
British Social Attitudes Survey
- The British Social Attitudes Survey of 2018 shows that 52% of Britons identify as non-religious.
- Therefore, religion and inter-faith dialogue have little power to achieve social cohesion.
Not aiming for cohesion
- Inter-faith dialogue is not aiming for social cohesion.
- Inter-faith dialogue aims to help believers seek truth and develop their own sense of their religious identity.
Communal acts bring cohesion
- Inter-faith dialogue involves believers worshipping, praying and working together. This leads to a flourishing society where differences are acknowledged and embraced in an effort to build a cohesive society.
Growth of inter-faith forums
- As the UK has become a more multi-faith society, inter-faith forums have grown in popularity.
- These dialogues promote understanding and tolerance.
Does Scriptural Reasoning Cause Relativism of Beliefs?
Religion is a flawed human construct. No religion offers absolute truths about reality.
Pluralist view
- For pluralists such as John Hick, scriptural reasoning enables religious believers to recognise that different religious beliefs and practices are all relative.
- Their differences are merely born out of different cultures.
Exclusivist view
- Exclusivists may argue that scriptural reasoning undermines the uniqueness of the Christian message.
- Christians have an important duty to spread the message that salvation is only possible through Jesus Christ and that other religions are false.
Supporters - no conclusions
- Supporters of scriptural reasoning may argue that participants are not told what conclusions to reach about other religions.
- The goal is for participants to reach a greater understanding of their own faith after discussion with those of different beliefs.
Critics - are all religions equal?
- However, some critics of scriptural reasoning may argue that the movement encourages participants to recognise all contributions as equally valid points of view.
- If all holy scriptures and interpretations offer a valid perspective on reality, how does any religion offers the ultimate truth?
Test yourself on Discussion Points: Social Cohesion & Scripture
Why do some believers NOT agree with inter-faith dialogue?
Which theorists are likely to argue that scriptural reasoning undermines the uniqueness of the Christian message?
What might supporters of scriptural reasoning say its purpose is?
Which theorist might argue that scriptural reasoning enables religious believers to recognise that different religious beliefs/practices are all relative?