The “gospel of inclusion” is a theological concept that emphasizes God’s universal love and salvation for all people, regardless of differences like race, gender, sexuality, or religious background. While not an official doctrine, it challenges traditional Christian exclusivism which teaches that salvation is only available through faith in Jesus Christ.
Overview of Inclusionism
Inclusionism teaches that Jesus’ death on the cross was atonement for all of humanity’s sins, not just those who explicitly profess Christian faith. It suggests that God judges people based on their heart and actions, not just theological correctness. This view believes that many religions have value and that God works through their various traditions to reveal Himself to humanity.
Inclusionists believe in a generous orthodoxy, maintaining traditional Christian beliefs like the divinity of Jesus and importance of Scripture while recognizing wisdom in other faiths. They argue that religious pluralism reflects God’s diverse revelation to humanity. Inclusionism emphasizes interfaith dialogue and cooperation, compassion for marginalized groups, and social justice causes.
Prominent inclusionist voices include progressive Christian writers like Brian McLaren, Rob Bell, Richard Rohr, and John Shelby Spong. Detractors argue inclusionism waters down biblical truth claims and departs from two millennia of established doctrine. But supporters believe it captures God’s expansive grace and offers a compelling vision of faith for our religiously pluralistic world.
Key Biblical Support for Inclusionism
Inclusionists point to numerous Bible passages that highlight God’s universal mercy and salvation:
– John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
– 1 Timothy 2:3-4 – “God our Savior…wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
– Titus 2:11 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”
– 1 John 2:2 – “[Jesus] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
These verses emphasize God’s love for the entire world and desire for all humanity to be saved through Christ. Inclusionists see significant tension between these universal passages and more particularist texts (like John 14:6) that teach salvation through explicit Christian faith.
Inclusionist Perspective on Other Religions
Inclusionism rejects traditional Christian exclusivism that sees other religions as completely false or demonic. While affirming Christ as the way, truth and life (John 14:6), inclusionists believe God’s redemptive work extends beyond the visible Christian church. They point out Bible examples of God-fearing non-Jews/Christians:
– Melchizedek – mysterious priest-king who worshipped God (Genesis 14)
– Naaman – Syrian commander healed by Elisha (2 Kings 5)
– Queen of Sheba – came to learn from Solomon’s wisdom (1 Kings 10)
– Magi – Zoroastrian astrologers who sought the Christ child (Matthew 2)
These stories reveal people outside formal Judaism/Christianity who were in relationship with God. Inclusionists see glimpses of truth and virtue in many faiths even while upholding Christ’s uniqueness and centrality. They believe followers of other religions may experience salvation through Christ implicitly vs. explicitly.
Inclusionist View of the Afterlife
Most inclusionists reject a literalist view of hell as eternal conscious torment for the damned. They argue that Scripture uses various metaphors for final judgment, and eternal hell portrayed as fire and brimstone reflects outdated cosmology foreign to modern sensibilities.
Inclusionists believe a loving God desires redemption for all and will judge people based on the light they’ve received. They suggest postmortem opportunities for repentance and salvation for those who don’t hear the gospel in this life. Prominent 20th century theologian Karl Rahner proposed the concept of “anonymous Christians” – righteous unbelievers who experience Christ’s salvation through their good works without realizing it.
Critics counter that denial of eternal hell rejects clear biblical teaching and seriously weakens gospel motivation for evangelism. But inclusionists see their position as more compelling for our pluralistic world and consistent with God’s boundless mercy.
Inclusionist Stance on Major Social Issues
The gospel of inclusion has several implications for contemporary ethical issues:
1. LGBTQ inclusion – Most inclusionists fully affirm LGBTQ identities and relationships based on their understanding of God’s expansive love. They believe same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ people in committed relationships align with Christ’s gospel of grace.
2. Racial justice – Inclusionists emphasize that all humans reflect God’s image. They strongly decry personal and systemic racism, calling for equity and reconciliation. Some tie racism to exclusivist theologies.
3. Gender equality – Inclusionists support full equality for women in church leadership and society based on their gifts and calling from God. They denounce sexism within Christianity.
4. Interfaith cooperation – Inclusionism encourages interfaith partnerships to serve the common good. Followers still witness to Christ, but without triumphalism or coercion. It calls for dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation.
In general, inclusionism advocates compassion, generosity, and social justice for all people regardless of identity or background. Critics argue it sometimes minimizes biblical sexual ethics, core doctrines, and evangelism. But supporters believe it offers a timely expression of progressive faith that resonates with our pluralistic world.
Responses to Key Criticisms of Inclusionism
Here are some common critiques of the gospel of inclusion and how its proponents might respond:
Critique: Inclusionism promotes universalism where all religions lead to God. It denies Jesus as the only way.
Response: Inclusionists firmly uphold Christ’s uniqueness and the finality of his work. But they understand biblical statements like “no one comes to the Father but by me” as referencing Jesus’ role in salvation rather than limiting God’s activity in other religions.
Critique: Inclusionism rejects the reality of hell and the need for evangelism.
Response: Inclusionists have diverse views on hell. But all affirm Christ’s commission to make disciples and argue their theology inspires compassionate evangelism, not religious apathy.
Critique: Inclusionism cherry picks Scripture, ignoring passages on God’s judgment and wrath.
Response: Inclusionists aim to incorporate all of Scripture. But they believe God’s radical love and mercy are the supreme revelation in Christ. Apparent contradictions call for deeper theological reflection.
Critique: Inclusionism undermines Christian identity and mission by validating other religions as legitimate paths to God.
Response: Inclusionists maintain a high Christology while acknowledging truths in other faiths. They believe interfaith dialogue and service enrich the church’s witness and embodiment of the gospel.
While inclusionist theology generates many critiques, its proponents believe it offers a compelling gospel vision that resonates in our religiously diverse world. They welcome theological dialogue with critics while staying rooted in God’s boundless grace.
Comparison of Inclusionism with Universalism and Pluralism
Inclusionism has similarities with universalism and pluralism but is distinct in key ways:
Universalism teaches that in the end all people will definitively be saved through Christ. Inclusionism leans universalist but stops short of definitive declarations, seeing salvation as a mystery known only to God.
Religious pluralism says many religions provide equally valid paths to God. Inclusionism affirms truths and values in other faiths but maintains Christ’s definitive and climactic revelation of God’s character.
So inclusionism has a more particular view of Christ’s significance than pluralism yet is less definitive about universal salvation than universalism. Inclusionists argue their position navigates between problematic extremes of rigid exclusivism and relativistic pluralism.
Conclusion
The gospel of inclusion represents an attempt to articulate Christian faith for our religiously diverse world. It emphasizes God’s universal love and salvific work while upholding Christ’s uniqueness and authority. Inclusionism faces substantial criticism from more conservative camps but continues gaining traction, especially among progressive Christians.
At its best, an inclusionist vision inspires hospitality, generosity, and grace in how the church engages those of different backgrounds and beliefs. It offers hope of reconciliation between faith groups in service of God’s kingdom. But taken to extremes, critics argue it can dilute core truths of the historic Christian gospel revealed through Scripture.
The debate continues within theology as to how Christians can share Christ’s exclusive claims in our pluralistic context while also living out the values of God’s inclusive love. Despite its flaws, inclusionism presents a Christocentric approach that aims to advance the conversation. While questions remain, it encourages the church to share the gospel in ways that resonate with our multifaith world.
