Pluralism & Theology: Exclusivism & Inclusivism

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Religious Pluralism & Theology: Exclusivism

Christianity exists in a religiously plural world. In the theology of religion, three broad perspectives are offered to address issues like truth and salvation - exclusivism, inclusivism & pluralism.

Meaning of exclusivism

Exclusivism is the view that only one religion offers the complete means of salvation.
In Christianity, exclusivism is the view that people must have explicit faith in Jesus to be saved. For exclusivists, Jesus Christ brought salvation to the world via the sacrificial death on the cross and the Resurrection.
Exclusivists might support their belief using texts such as ‘Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”’ (John 14:6)

View of 'narrow' exclusivists

‘Narrow’ exclusivists believe only some Christians will achieve salvation. Augustine believes that Christians are subject to the grace of God and God will choose which Christians go to heaven.
Hendrik Kraemer argued that religions are whole belief systems. It does not make sense to pick out beliefs and practices which we think are true. A religion has to accept the salvation offered through Christ or choose not to. There is no middle ground.

View of 'broad' exlusivists

'Broad' exclusivists argue that all Christians who accept Christ are saved regardless of their style of worship, denomination or practices.

Religious Pluralism & Theology: Inclusivism

Christianity exists in a religiously plural world. In the theology of religion, three broad perspectives are offered to address issues like truth and salvation - exclusivism, inclusivism & pluralism.

Theory of inclusivism

Inclusivists argue that there is the possibility of salvation for non-Christians but Christianity is the best route to achieve salvation.
Inclusivists might support their belief by using texts such as ‘I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth’ (Job 19:25).

Salvation possible after death

Some inclusivists argue that salvation may be possible for an individual if they turn to Christianity after death.
These inclusivists argue that God’s omnibenevolence means that humans have the chance to repent and turn to him after death.

Non-Christians do Christian work

Other inclusivists argue that non-Christians might call Christ by other names or be doing the work of Christ without realising it.
- For example, Muslims give money to the poor as part of zakah, the 3rd pillar of their faith. They could be doing the work of Christ in helping the needy without realising.

Karl Rahner: partial truths

Karl Rahner argued that other religions may contain partial truths. This is especially the case if the religion has a similar structure to Christianity.
Rahner argued that many people are not exposed to the message of Christianity.
- For example, Jews who lived before Jesus or people who live in places where the Gospel message has not arrived.

'Anonymous Christians'

Rahner coined the term ‘anonymous’ Christians’ for people who are following Christian beliefs and the message of Christ without actually realising it.
Rahner uses the examples of the Old Testament prophets to support this position.