ARE ONLY CHRISTIANS SAVED? : A DISCOURSE ON SALVATION AND RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE

Abstract

Religion is a highly sensitive topic and can evoke a variety of responses among "believers" and "non-believers" alike. Hence, in a multi-religious society like Singapore, the maintenance of religious harmony and religious tolerance is seen to be essential for her continued peace and progress. This study aims to understand both how a group of Baptists and Catholics talk about religious tolerance and act upon the basis of such discourse. Although both Baptists and Catholics are classified as Christians, the respective communities are organised rather differently and their theology is significantly varied. Yet there are similarities which are frequently overlooked by members of both these faith traditions. This study focuses on one aspect of religious teaching: that of salvation. It is in the context of this teaching that I shall examine the idea of religious tolerance.