Multi-Faith UK: Key Words – inclusivism, exclusivism, pluralism, religious freedom
Explain why the UK is referred to as a multi-faith society. Write 4 points. (8marks.)
Do you think it is a good idea to be a multi-faith society? Give 3 reasons for, and 3 reasons against. (6marks)
Explain why some Christians believe that all other religions are wrong, and some do not.
8 marks (4 points: 2 reasons for exclusivism,
2 for inclusivism)
Explain why interfaith marriages may cause problems (8marks)
Several faiths present
From time of Reformation:
Elizabeth I made the Church of
England the state religion. Other churches later allowed to practice faith and given equal political rights (=religiously pluralist society)
All faiths free to practice their
religion Anti discrimination laws and Laws against Religious Hatred ensure all religions treated equally and with respect
Immigration means that people from other cultures settle in UK and practice their own religion, while integrating in English society in other ways: places of worship
Census figures: from 2001 show areas of London up to 35% other faith (Muslims in Tower Hamlets) and other areas have up to 15% other faiths (Hindu, Jews)
For:

Learn about other religions and become more understanding of their teachings

More tolerant of other people’s views and religions so less religious
 conflict
May stimulate people to think about religion as they see it lived out in different ways

The pressure to keep your identity may make you practice your own faith more seriously because it’s your responsibility
Against:

People may doubt their own religion is the right one

People may think God doesn’t exist if there are so many different interpretations of him and so lose any interest in religion

There may be conflict and arguments as people argue over whose religious opinions are the right ones.

There may be complications in showing fairness to all religions when they want to celebrate their holy days eg have days off work
CATHOLICS: Inclusivism
all religions contain SOME truth, but only
Christianity contains WHOLE truth (– includes all other religions as having part of the truth)
BJC
Bible teaches that Christianity reveals the whole truth about God
Jesus is the Son of God who being closest to
God, teaches the true way
Teaching of the Church (catechism, encyclicals)
EVANGELICALS: Exclusivism
Other religions should be respected and allowed to practice, but Christianity has the only and whole truth.
LIBERAL PROTESTANTS: Pluralism
All religions are equal but just different ways of finding God.
Bible: is not the word of God
People of other faiths also live good and holy lives (Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus)
God is not a person but a force (like gravity) that can be discovered in many different ways
Jesus’ teaching that “in my Father’s house there are many rooms”means there is space for many different religions.
Wedding Ceremony: not unless both are same faith
Children: what faith to bring them up in
Death: how to bury them when they die? Separate cemeteries?
Family: tensions, as family feels betrayed
“In a multifaith society, no religion should try to convert others”. Give 3 reasons for and 3 reasons against.
(6marks)
FOR:
Evangelicals: think religious Christians should CONVERT others. This is because of Jesus’ teachings:
Jesus said “I am the truth, the way the life, no-one comes to the Father but through me”
Jesus Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” means he commanded Christians to convert.
loving your neighbour means you want them to know about Jesus and how to get eternal life
AGAINST: