In my prior post I made the point that in terms of ultimate truth claims, the pluralist is just as exclusive as anyone else. But there’s another kind of pluralism available to us: social pluralism, or what’s often called “principled pluralism.” In 2013 the American Inclusivist Project published a paper called “Principled Pluralism” that called for Americans to “move beyond mere …
Exclusivism Part 3: The Pluralist Fights Back
In my prior post I accused the pluralist of being just as exclusive as anyone else. The committed pluralist is claiming that pluralism is true, and that therefore non-pluralists such as myself and other high-identity adherents to their respective worldviews such as Muslims, Atheists, and Catholics, hold views that are false.* The pluralist, however, insists she’s being misunderstood. The whole point of …
Exclusivism Part 2: Can It Be Avoided? By Anyone?
In my prior post I stated my belief that historic Christianity is true, which, if correct, defeats the truth claims of all competing views such as atheism or Islam. Critics tend to say of exclusivists like myself that we are the cause of much unnecessary strife and polarization in our world — even war. But can exclusivism be avoided? By …
Exclusivism Part 1: The Label Nobody Wants
I am what’s sometimes called a traditional or “historic” Christian. It means I’m trying to stand in a line that stretches back to the Reformation, to the early church, to the twelve Apostles, and to Jesus himself.* One of the main beliefs of historic Christians such as myself is that the Apostles and early church were in a unique position …
Religious Reciprocity: Part 3
Is it fair for me to expect a “satisfied” adherent of another religion to investigate Christianity, while I am not necessarily motivated to pursue their religion? The short answer is this: only if Christianity is true. This answer, however, begs the question of whether Christianity is actually true, and how a person could possibly know this if they’ve never thoroughly investigated all …
Religious Reciprocity: Part 1
What happens to persons who’ve never taken the time and trouble to pursue Christianity as a possible “true religion”? Perhaps they feel satisfied with their own views, whether religious or not. Is that wrong? Will God punish them? One person put it this way in an email: What if sincere Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and other non-Christians did not hear a clear, …
Religious Reciprocity: Part 2
A question from my prior post is this: What happens to those who’ve never heard a detailed, quality presentation of the gospel message, and feel satisfied with their own religion or worldview? The implied question is whether God will accept this person on the day of judgment, given that the person had no compelling reason to investigate Christianity. My response is that …
Conversations from Campus: USTAFOS Part 1
I sat with my back to the fireplace in the dorm lounge, a dozen students in a semi-circle of comfy chairs and couches gathered around. Unusually Sharp TeenAger From OverSeas (USTAFOS) settled into a spot toward the front and smiled shyly. “I’m a skeptic,” she said to me privately. My kind of person. “Welcome,” I said. “I’m glad you came …