What is religious pluralism and how does a Christian discuss this topic with skeptics in this society of inclusivity?
Religious pluralism (RP) is the idea that many avenues lead to God and all religions have a path to salvation.[1] This idea is likely very popular in today’s society of inclusivity. J. P. Morland and Tim Muehlhoff point out that many in society favor the idea that the mountain paths analogy, and all religions can be different but equally valid.[2] A paraphrase of the analogy describes multiple paths up a mountain, and while some may take longer than others, they all lead to God.[3] However, the authors share that this simplistic view has two main weaknesses. One weakness is that the view marginalizes the claims of religious figures. For example, Mohammed claimed the only way to God was to accept him as the prophet. From a Christian’s perspective, this view shows a direct disregard for Jesus Christ and the doctrine of Christianity because Jesus is the only way to God the Father. The other weakness is the contradictions between different religions and their core beliefs.[4] Therefore, one cannot say all religions have an equal path when the religious doctrines themselves say that is untrue.
As mentioned, RP supports the idea that other religions have different ideas of salvation.[5] Another example of the previous statements from my above CP included his belief that God will have a place for him in heaven if he, my CP, is a good person. This theme is not uncommon. Christian apologist Joseph Holden explains that many people believe they can go to heaven because they believe in God, without believing in Jesus.[6] However, the Bible is very precise when Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, Christian Standard Bible). As Christians, we understand from Matthew, chapters 27 and 28, that the major actions that set Christianity apart from other religions are Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection. I informed my CP that while some of the different religions acknowledge Jesus as a real person, only Christianity knows Him as the Son of God, both human and divine, who died on the cross for humanity’s sins.[7] Additionally, there is much historical evidence for the reliability of the Bible. For example, some scriptural writings, like the Pauline letters, have been dated between 46 and AD.[8] Therefore, when considering all of the historical evidence for the Bible and personal faith experiences, the all-inclusive attitude of religious pluralism will not provide the path to salvation; only Jesus does. The Bible says, “But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13).
During a friendly conversation on religion and Christianity, the topic of plurality arose organically with my conversation partner (CP). My CP is agnostic and thought that I was being close-minded and arrogant to believe that my Christian perspectives on religion and salvation were correct while all others were wrong. My CP’s stance was a pluralistic idea that all spiritual paths likely lead to God. My CP even referenced Mohammed and challenged me on how Jesus was any different than him. Morland and Muehlhoff mention that people with a pluralistic worldview sometimes cite other religious figures like Mohammed and Buddha. I explained to my CP that, unlike other religions and prophets, Jesus is the only religious figure to die and rise again.
[1]. Paul M. Gould, Travis Dickinson, and R. Keith Loftin, Stand Firm: Apologetics and the Brilliance of the Gospel (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2018), 129, e-book.
[2]. J. P. Moreland and Tim Muehlhoff, The God Conversation: Using Stories and Illustrations to Explain Your Faith, 2nd ed. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2017), 43.
[3]. Moreland and Muehlhoff, The God Conversation, 43.
[4]. Moreland and Muehlhoff, The God Conversation, 43–46.
[5]. Joseph M. Holden, The Comprehensive Guide to Apologetics (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2018), 312.
[6]. Holden, The Comprehensive Guide, 312.
[7]. Holden, The Comprehensive Guide, 312.
[8]. Holden, The Comprehensive Guide, 214.
Bibliography
Gould, Paul M., Travis Dickinson, and R. Keith Loftin. Stand Firm: Apologetics and the Brilliance of the Gospel. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2018. E-book.
Holden, Joseph M. The Comprehensive Guide to Apologetics. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2018.
Moreland, J. P. , and Tim Muehlhoff. The God Conversation: Using Stories and Illustrations to Explain Your Faith. 2nd ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2017.
