2. Inclusivism

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this module, we explore Karl Rahner’s inclusivism, focusing in particular on (i) the soteriology of inclusivism (ii) the concept of a lawful religion (iii) the distinction between historical and existential encounters with Christ (iv) the relationship between mission and the salvation of the ‘anonymous Christian’ (v) objections to Rahner’s inclusivism.

Course

In this course Professor Gavin D’Costa (University of Bristol) explores religious pluralism in Christian thought. In the first module, we examine John Hick’s arguments for religious pluralism. After that, in the second module, we look at the inclusivism of Karl Rahner in contrast to Hick’s pluralism. In the third module, we explore another approach known as exclusivism in the theology of Karl Barth. Finally, in the fourth module we evaluate the effectiveness of the threefold category system, and introduce a fourth position known as post-liberalism.

Lecturer

Professor Gavin D'Costa is a lecturer in Catholic Theology at the University of Bristol. His research interests are in modern Roman Catholic theology, systematic theology, theology of religions, and religious pluralism. His recent publications include Theology and Philosophy. Faith and Reason (2011) and Vatican II. Celebrating its Achievements and the Future (2013).