Giffiths' defense of exclusivism ~ 1 Griffiths’ defense of exclusivism 4 Thesis: There is a sense in which Christianity is exclusivist 4 Will compare Christianity and Buddhism on 5 dimensions u1. Religious doctrines function as rules guiding the life of the religious community yBuddhism -- the “making of merit” doctrine guides the community in giving money to the monastic communities

Giffiths' defense of exclusivism ~ 2 Griffiths’ defense of exclusivism yAnglican community (Griffiths’ religious affiliation) states that salvation is restricted to those within the community u2. Religious doctrines set boundaries for the community yBuddhism - Yogacara Buddhists in India in the 4 th century CE rejected Nagarjuna Buddhism’s overemphasis (from Yogacara’s perspective) on negativity–deconstruction of all theoretical thought

Giffiths' defense of exclusivism ~ 3 Griffiths’ defense of exclusivism yChristianity - Christological controversies developed in early Christianity because of controversies & once defined excluded those who did not agree u3. Religious doctrines are shaped by & formative of the spiritual experience of communities that profess them yBuddhism - doctrine of momentariness (everything which exists is momentary) expressed and shaped the experience of Buddhist meditation

Giffiths' defense of exclusivism ~ 4 Griffiths’ defense of exclusivism yChristianity - doctrines of Mary have influenced prayer habits of many Christians u4. Religious doctrine functions in the making (formation) of members of religious communities yBuddhism - developed numerical lists (four truths, eight-membered paths) to help form members yChristianity & Buddhism - attempt to convert others because of the claim that their respective religions contain truths

Giffiths' defense of exclusivism ~ 5 Griffiths’ defense of exclusivism u5. Almost all religions say that they contain truths (vs. mere emotive expressions, or cultural expressions) yIf one holds that the doctrines of one’s religion are true, then they cannot be easily abandoned by the community