Pluralism
Pluralism sees all religions as legitimate and valid when viewed from within their own cultural background and tradition. The general conception is that no one religion has an exclusive claim on the truth, but all constitute varying conceptions of the Ultimate Reality. In John Stott’s opinion, “Pluralism is an affirmation of the validity of every religion, and the refusal to choose between them, and the rejection of world evangelism.” (Interview in Orange County Register, Oct. 3, 1998)
According to Rick Rood, “Religious Pluralism is the view that all religions are equally valid as ways to God. Pluralists often refer to the fact that, just as there are many paths up Mt. Fuji, so there are many paths to God. Differences among the religions are superficial; they all lead to the same goal. This is the epitome of tolerance and relativism." [1]
Multimedia
- Pluralism Lectures (The Veritas Forum)
- Are All Religions Created Equal?, (mp3) by Douglas Groothuis
Proponents
John Hick, a theologian and philosopher, holds that all religions are equal in the sense that all religions accomplish the same end; creating good moral people. He viewed all religions as being different responses to the divine reality, and therefore all religious paths lead to the same reality.