Basis of Global and Interfaith Theologies - Essay Example

Running Head: Essay, Religion and Theology Introduction The world missionary mission of 1910 was a reference point to numerous conferences held in 2010 referred to as the Edinburgh and its constituent in 2005. These conferences were encompassed of multi-denominations across the world to chant the way forward for religion in the 21st century. This conference found a basis for collaborative trends in the sector. It depicted that different denominations should work together to bring a common. This essay depicts the framework and basis of global and interfaith theologies (Smock, 2002). Global and interfaith theologies Interfaith dialogue traces its origin back when religion itself began; this was a mechanism to avoid war among the numerous religions in the world. It was basically a common understanding with a mutual relationship which was galvanized by the many religions; Christians, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism among other religious groups. However, in the 21st century the connotation has gained another approach all together which works towards globalization. Over time the Christian fraternity has explored the aspect of pluralism which is basically the interaction of various denominations or Christian topologies to address a common issue. This dissertation depicts that Christians can come together and dialogue on various issues affecting the society. By connecting the various Christian practices, it stipulates principles like hospitality and friendship is likely to be tackled in a more coherent manner (Smock, 2002). Interfaith theologies also articulates a theology encompassed by interfaith community; a theology of varying faiths in the society which thrives its basis from contemporary pluralism and dialogue as the core factor which emancipates the community to a common goal. Some of the core foundational concepts which are based by interfaith ideologies are hospitality and friendship. Hospitality is an expression of kindness and care to a stranger. It lays its framework on taking care of all the people in the society regardless of the religion they hail from. Friendship according to this doctrine is a connection between different individuals not taking into considerations the religious background. It mainly carries the signals of genuine love depicted on other parties. According to this doctrine a stranger will definitely become like a family member who enjoys all the privileges without fear or segregation. For inter-religion theologies to surmise there must be apologetic instances in all of the actions of each religious group. The comparative instances of each religion must not be influenced by the apologetic interests of another group. Secondly all religions must be viewed as universal options and not cultural trails in the making (Smock, 2002). Hick’s Pluralism In his writings three aspects emerge about religion; objectivity claim, actual difference reduction and marginalization in the religious perspectives. He argues that the different religious groups are basically different routes to a common destination. Hick adopts a meta-perspective way of viewing things. Despite the cultural platform engrossed by the different religions Hick connotes that they are just vehicles passing different routes but bound for the same destination. According to critics like Gavin D’Costa, Hick is adopting an exclusivist stance by the view he takes his approach (Lovat, 2010). Hick strongly advocates for pluralism, to him religion is all about a human expression of a personal feeling or conception of the divine. Thus, according to him all world religious groups are valid and geared towards salvation. No specific religions will gunner more powers over another towards attaining the salvation and truth. All traditions are ideologies based on the same principles and doctrines. The warring religions which are mostly referred to as exclusivists like Islam and Christianity will find a common unifying factor that will promote their co-existence. Hick believes that those religious groups who accept pluralism will depict a great sense of intellectuality and honesty in their undertakings. It will essentially be a sign of realism and maturity in their faith. He further explains the doctrine of incarnation, trinity and atonement and concludes that all leaders in revelatory histories operate in the same manner and to the same length and extent. It is quite clear that there are two aspects of considerations in Hick’s analysis; He begins his defense by depicting that the moral attributes of people in religions is equal with one another. Although each religion has a different definition of what they consider saintly and spiritual it will eventually stream down to a common view or behaviors. If all major religions have equality in morality then there is no class of religious group which will claim a superior position than the other. Hick has slightly twisted Kant’s view; Kant’s position majorly relies on the physical world to portray its meaning. However, Hick employs this method in the supernatural world where he explains that; we should be able to distinguish between the worlds itself and the human perception about the same world. Thus, he summarizes by depicting that theology is a human mind creation (Lovat, 2010). Catholic liberalism Society has experienced a number of changes since 1960s. The Christian platform has shed its old system and endorsed a new approach which relies on reason and logic or tolerance. This is depicted by the new trends in the society for example, women priests coming into the system, social aspects in the many religions and gay marriage acceptance. Conservatives might base their argument on the fact that God is rooted in timelessness but religion is basically a number game. Intellectuals in this forum have argued that liberalism is the basis of love and diversity in the society (Jenkins, 2002). The rapid increase in the number of Catholics in the world is a clear sign of the steps the religion has adopted to encompass a lot of societal changes which crop up in the 21st century. Other religions which have remained conservative and arguing on the basis of belief and not reason are dwindling in numbers each day. Similarities between Hick and Catholic liberalism These two parties depict that in the 21st century interfaith theologies is the best approach to solving the society’s troubles. Different faiths should come together to address a common problem taking into considerations the logical and intellectual aspects in question. Staying in the cocoons will only achieve to bring rivalries in the society. Relevance of Interfaith theologies There has been a recent trend in; ignorance, tension among religious groups, intolerance amidst beliefs and other varying issues which emanate from the different beliefs acknowledged in the world. Interfaith cooperation will definitely offer a great platform to fight these challenges which are created by majorly religious diversity. Through cooperation civil strives will be easily prevented and build a strong community of persons thriving on the same purpose (Lovat 2010). Putnam argues that when a community absorbs diversion in their daily work, social and capital aspects are bound to increase remarkably. This means that if a community involving different diverse individuals comes together and works towards a common goal they are bound to succeed as each personality has their own capabilities. It will spur creativity, productivity and cohesion to the next level (Fitzgerald & Borelli, 2006). Scientific research has depicted that a society with a diverse culture and beliefs is not bound to experience any conflicts at all. In his study in India Ashutosh Varshney discovered that in the peaceful communities formal and informal lines of communication were strong thus they ensured that the communities stayed peaceful amid tensions in the neighboring cities. However, the cities which experienced wars there was no case of justification supporting community harmony (Jenkins, 2002). In Terry Jones’s infamous Quran burning, there was sarong depiction of interfaith theologies. In this time other denominations stood in solidarity with the Muslim community and strongly condemned the act of extremism committed by Jones. Without this perspective of mutual understanding amidst religious groups then there could have been an eruption of war at that time. Generally, interfaith cohesion is a meaningful process of addressing societal needs. Interfaith topologies are required in all significant areas of the working and socializing. Many individuals view religion as a divisive aspect; division among themselves and relying on their own doctrines. This is a dangerous route to partake as each religious group should adapt a peaceful co-existent design in the society. Although some religions may be against modernization and prefer some outdated poor versions of production, this should not be a basis for spurring enmity with those who accept the practices. In short Christianity should be geared towards improving the life of a person hence interfaith sharing (Fitzgerald & Borelli, 2006). Religion has a significant influence on politics. For example, in the sub-Saharan Africa Muslim seems to thrive more than Christianity which on the other hand thrives in America and its related countries. It is imperative that relational co-existence will bring about regional peace and harmony. If the two governments were to be entangled in political turmoil it should be the responsibility of the religion traits to quench the impending war by amicably portraying the right track. Thus interrelation coexistence will bring about a society which is socially, economically and spiritually permissible to every believer and non-believer (Fitzgerald & Borelli, 2006). Interfaith theology should encompass freedom of association and interaction. Each person should feel free to portray their concerns without fear of prejudice or segregation. A society with such stipulations will to a higher extent give rise to creativity and full utilization of one’s abilities. Friendship emanates from a common belief of co-existence; to instill friendship in the 21st century religious affiliates should be in the fore to determine the next course of conduct. It must generally be a global undertaking among all religions in the world (Jenkins, 2002). Conclusion As depicted from the above description, the 21st century is a period which has experienced a lot of changes in the world of religion. Religion in this era is more than affiliations, according to different theologians it has evolved to a mechanism where one is able to logically and intellectually make a decision. Further the importance of inter-religion cooperation is nothing to let to waste. Each religion should link up to ensure a society which is peaceful and operational without restrictions. References Fitzgerald, M. L., & Borelli, J. (2006). Interfaith dialogue: A Catholic view. London: SPCK. Jenkins, P. (2002). The next Christendom: the Coming of Global Christianity. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Lovat, T. (2010). Interfaith Theology for the Twenty-First Century: An Artefact for Faith in a Global Era. In J. Jaworski (Ed.), Advances in Sociology Research. (Volume 7) (pp. 189- 198) New York: Nova Science. Smock, D. R. (2002). Interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding. 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