Introductory notes for readers of this thesis - Theses - Flinders ...

characteristics of most contemporary societies’ a focus on a universal sotereological ideais not only unrealistic but unhelpful.It is not just about who can be saved and under which conditions. The theologicaldiscussion about non-Christian religions has been overloaded and preoccupiedwith this particular soteriological concern for several decades, unfortunately 152 .Hosek critically assesses the three broadly identifiable, soteriological worldviews:exclusivism—the primary Protestant and pre-Vat II Catholic position; inclusivism—theRahner-influenced, post Vat II Catholic view; pluralism—the contemporary, interfaitheclectic position. Hosek concludes that, despite the varying exegetical strengths andweaknesses within this spectrum of thinking, all three worldviews share one commonproblem.Unfortunately they don’t really take seriously the other religions themselves, intheir particularities and differences. All three paradigms are essentially aprioristic,their proponents have no reason to study what the other religions actually teachand how they understand themselves 153 .In place of an attempt to construct a universal soteriology as a basis for shared spiritualconversation, Hosek proposes a triad of alternatives. He advocates a dialogue of spiritualworship practices in which people of differing faiths offer mutual witness to each otherthrough the practice of their spiritual disciplines in proximity without attempting aneclectic homogenising. He proposes ongoing dialogue at the level of intellectual,theological discourse whilst noting that the influence of differing linguistics in theconstruction of actual theological ideas means that such dialogue will be limited and ‘ourexpectations concerning its success should be rather modest’. Hosek believes that themost authentic and genuine opportunity for interfaith dialogue issocial-ethical dialogue…[because] its goal is not to establish a common platformfor all religions, to undermine differences, to create a common meta-language orto move towards a syncretistic unity of religious believers. Its goal is to joinforces to work for peace and justice on local, national and international levels,broadly in terms of Niebur’s famous notion of ‘Christ transforming culture’ 154 .152 European Journal of Theology, 14, 1 (2005): 29.153 Ibid, 31.154 Ibid, 32-33.177