What Should Christians Know about Religious Pluralism?
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People who believe in religious pluralism may have problems with Christians saying Jesus is the only way to God. But for what reason?
What Does Pluralism Mean?
In some cases, pluralism means the idea that people of different religions can freely practice their religions without the government making one religion into the state religion or making a statement that all religions lead to the same place. In that sense, America is a pluralistic society. It’s not uncommon in many neighborhoods to see a church, a synagogue, a mosque, or other religious houses of worship near each other. This right to practice flows from our constitution and does not just benefit other religions; it is why we, as Christians, can live out our faith freely.
Pluralism supports respect and conversation between communities that hold varying beliefs or religions. There is an emphasis on shared values rather than focusing on theological differences or attempts to convert others to one’s own belief system. It recognizes the diversity of human spirituality and encourages mutual respect and understanding.
However, pluralism can also mean the claim that all religions lead to the same place. This form of pluralism (we might call it religious pluralism for this article’s purposes) denies that any one belief system or tradition is the only true one. As a result, this pluralism is inherently inclusive, apparently excluding no one. Inviting as this form of pluralism sounds, it raises some big questions for religions that make exclusive claims about how we find salvation.
Does Pluralism Mean All Religions Are Equal?
Religious pluralism does not mean all religions are equal. It just means they all lead to the same place. People who believe this again don’t focus on the doctrinal differences of different religions but on some of the shared moral values.
If you look closer at the concept of religious pluralism, some aspects don’t make sense. For example, to say all roads lead to the same place is illogical when they all have drastically different paths.
What if you asked for directions from NYC to Washington, DC, and someone told you to take any road you want because they will all lead you to Washington? Not only is this not true, but it also defies logic. By following this advice, you could end up anywhere and most likely not in Washington. Just as there are specific directions to get to Washington, DC, there is one direction you must follow to get to the truth.
Does the Bible Provide Any Warnings about Pluralism?
If there is one thing the Bible has done, it has eradicated a central idea of religious pluralism. It firmly denies that all religions lead to the same place. In that regard, God has made some clear and decisive conclusions.
“I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me.” (Isaiah 45:5)
“For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.” (Psalm 86:10)
While making the decisive statements, the Bible acknowledges that people will worship other gods. God repeatedly warned Israel about being enticed by the gods of the surrounding nations. Despite the warnings, the influence of the surrounding nations led them to worship the gods of those nations. We see this throughout the Bible. While God recognizes this reality, the warning has always been about engaging in the worship of other gods.
“Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you.” (Deuteronomy 6:13-14)
The warning in the Bible is not against knowing other gods or religions exist. It is about keeping them in the right perspective and not falling into the worship of other gods, which are not gods at all.
Does Pluralism Present a Problem for Christianity?
The problem that religious pluralism presents for Christians is that, by design, Christianity is an exclusive religion. It does not seek to keep people out but clearly defines the way in. When you think about Jesus’ claims, consider this: he did not leave room for multiple paths to spiritual truth. One of the most exclusive statements Jesus ever made is this.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6)
This presents a problem for people who embrace pluralism. However, we must declare this as the truth. While we must respect everyone’s beliefs, we are responsible for sharing the gospel’s truth. In doing this, we must be prepared, knowing this will not always be the most popular road to travel. However, that is the price we must pay for the gospel’s sake.
It is important to recognize that what is a problem is also the benefit of living in a pluralistic society. You have the right to share and live out what you believe as much as anyone else. There is freedom to have discourse and debate over beliefs, which is what happens when we share the gospel. This does not mean we become argumentative or even dismissive of others. Just know that an exclusive gospel that promotes Jesus as the only way to the Father is not readily accepted in a society that promotes pluralism.
Here is a truth we must acknowledge as Christians. You cannot create a harmonious, inclusive, all-religions-embracing worldview when Jesus never set out to do that. Christ never set out to be inclusive. He explicitly set himself up as the only way to the Father, fundamental to Christianity. There is no other name by which people can be saved; we can’t stop preaching or believing that. While salvation is open to everyone, they can only come through one door.
One more danger that religious pluralism presents is it might lead to syncretism. Syncretism is when you blend different religious thoughts into something new. When there is a plurality of ideas, and no one claims one truth, this becomes more of a possibility. Focusing on shared moral values may be okay if we want to deal with societal issues. However, we cannot ignore the theological and doctrinal differences if we desire salvation. If we believe Jesus is the only way, preaching this is not just a good idea. It is a matter of eternal life or death.
How Should Christians Respond to Concerns about Pluralism?
Our response to religious pluralism is simple. We must know the truth and proclaim the truth. More than ever before, we must be certain of our beliefs. We live in a day where access to information is easier than ever, and if we are not sure of our foundation, we will be prone to deception.
Despite this, as Christians, we should be open to engaging people of other faiths and beliefs. Since one of our mandates is to make disciples, you cannot make disciples of people you do not engage. This means we cannot isolate ourselves from people who believe differently. We must build relationships that hopefully open doors for sharing the gospel. Jesus called us to be salt; if the salt stays in the saltshaker, it has no effect. Because we live in a pluralistic society, that is even more reason to engage because these are the people who are our harvest field. Let’s take advantage of the freedom to live out the life of Christ before the world. Hopefully, in a field of diverse religious ideologies, the light of Jesus shining from within us will outshine them all and point people to the one who is the only way.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Davizro
