Discussion Points: Conversion
Religious Studies: OCR A Level, topic 3.8.5
Should Christians Try to Convert People of Other Religions?
Christians have different views on whether or not they should seek to convert non-Christians.
Exclusivist view
- An exclusivist may argue that converting others to Christianity is essential as Christianity offers the only means of salvation.
Inclusivist view
- An inclusivist may argue that salvation is possible for a believer from a different religious tradition.
- A Muslim donating zakah is helping the needy and serving God.
- For Karl Rahner, they might be considered an ‘anonymous Christian’. So converting them to Christianity may not be necessary.
Pluralist view
- A pluralist may argue that converting others to Christianity is not necessary.
- All religions offer ultimate truths about God and reality.
- An omnibenevolent God will ensure that salvation is given to all, regardless of their religious belief.
New Testament example
- In the New Testament, Jesus instructs his followers to ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 28:19).
‘Sharing the Gospel of Salvation’
- ‘Sharing the Gospel of Salvation’ recommends that Christians are sensitive to the feelings of others.
- But they should continue to share their faith with others and aim to bring them to Christ as it is a Christian duty.
Should All Christians Follow the Mission to Convert Others?
Different Christians have different views on trying to convert non-Christians to the faith.
Exclusivists & inclusivist views
- Exclusivists may argue that the mission to convert applies to all - both non-Christians and people with no faith at all.
- Inclusivists may argue that it's more necessary to try and convert people of no faith at all.
Converting atheists
- Many Christians are encouraged to convert non-believers.
- However, they should try and do this in non-confrontational and sensitive ways.
- If Christians are looking to convert atheists, they may base their discussions around arguments against the existence of God.
- Christians need to ensure that they can respond to these issues, such as the problem of evil and scientific explanations of the origins of the universe.
Matthew 28:19
- In the New Testament, Jesus instructs his followers to ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 28:19).
- This passage does not reference the faith or lack of faith of those who Christians must convert.
Test yourself on Discussion Points: Conversion
What does the following quotation suggest about conversion?
‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 28:19)