Essay Assignment #3 (REL)

1 . Describe the three positions on the relation of Christianity and world religions , namely exclusivism , inclusivism (or fulfillment ) and pluralism

In the Christian context , exclusivism is the belief that the ultimately saving truth can be found only through Jesus Christ , inclusivism the belief that Jesus Christ is the normative savior in whom people of other religions could also find salvation , and pluralisms is the belief that each religious tradition is an equally valid and effective vehicle of salvation . From this , it is clear that both the exclusivists and the inclusivists believe

that Christ is the only means of salvation . The difference lies in that while exclusivists believe that Christians are the only ones who can be saved while the inclusivists that people from other religion could be saved by Jesus Christ in some other way . The pluralists , on the other hand , believe that there are many means of salvation , not necessarily only through Jesus Christ

2 . Explain what Rahner means by `anonymous Christian

An Anonymous Christian ' according to Karl Rahner , is one who has accepted of his freedom the gracious self-offering on God 's part through faith , hope and love although he may have not yet heard of the Christian doctrines . Rahner held that a person can attain salvation even without knowing Jesus Christ , if he acts according to his conscience and in the same manner that Christ has taught . Rahner believes that a person even without knowing Christ could act according to his teachings . This is possible , as Rahner...