Plurality Soceity

1.
INTRODUCTION
In today's world, it is now a fact that religions and cultures must coexist. Many societies are multicultural
and made up of groups of people who have come from other countries. Entire neighbourhoods are
inhibited by people of a specific ethnic groups or culture. For as long as the world has been a world, the
daily life of societies took place within the framework of that society's culture and religion. Therefore, it
is necessary to understand the pluralistic world where different religions coexist. This paper will give
light to two approaches of religious pluralism ie, Inclusivism and Exclusivism.
2. THEOLOGIES OF RELIGIOUS PLURALISM
"Theology of Religious Pluralism" is a new name for "Theology of Religions," which is a new theological
branch of study that emerged in the 1960s. "Theology" is faith-illuminated reflection, and "religious
pluralism" refers to the plurality of faiths the fact that there are numerous religions in the world, rather
than just one. John Hick of Claremont Graduate School in California is the primary exponent of this
viewpoint.
Religious Pluralism is essentially the concept that all religions of the world are true and equally valid in
conveying the truth about God, the world, and salvation. It asserts that the primary world religions offer
separate, salvific entrance to the holy Reality. In his argument John Hick claims that there are several
ways in which the world religions relate to Ultimate Reality. While the cultural and historical contexts of
the global religions have produced various views of the Real (God) and even of the salvation sought,
there is a common soteriological framework in all faiths, namely, transforming humanity from self-
centeredness to a new orientation to the Real. While pluralists assert the validity of all religions, they
also deny the finality of all religions. The pluralistic contention is that all religions are fundamentally the
same though superficially differem.
2.1. Exclusive Approach
Exclusive approach or Exclusivism is the theological position that holds to the finality of the Christian
faith in Christ. It simply means that there is no other salvation outside Christianity, only Christianity is
the true religion. It is a traditional approach to religious pluralism. Since theologian Alan Race adopted
the terms exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism, it has become common place to situate the current
theologies of religion within one of these three broad types.
According to this viewpoint, the Bible is the ultimate source of religious truth. The Bible tells us about
the future of the world and connects all of history, life, and service with a greater nicaning and purpose.
It also provides a foundation for individual faith and serves as a manual for the Christian community. As
a result, according to the exclusivist, salvation assurance can only be obtained via a personal
commitment to Christ. Since they are not aware
2.2.1 God's presence in religion
In the Old Testament, Melchizedek is an important symbol (Gen. 14:17-24). The story of his encounter
with Abram shows that God was at work in the religious sphere of Canaanite culture. Abram accepts the
blessing of this pagan priest and pays tithes to him. He is satisfied that the king of Salem worships the
true God under the name El Elgon God seems to be teaching Abram that his election does not mean that
he is in exclusive possession of God, but rather that God is calling him to be a means of grace to all
nations among whom God is also and already at work. Melchizedek represents the larger group of pagan
saints in Scripture among whom God worked, to
In the New Testament, Cornelius is a key symbol (Acts 10:1-18), God used this godly Gentile to teach the
apostle Peter that there is no partiality in God's dealing with humanity. Though a non-Christian and a
Gentile, Cornelius was devout and God-fearing evidently God was present in the religious sphere his life.
He represents the wider hope of the book of Acts and the New Testament generally that affirms that
God never leaves himself withour witness among all peoples (Acts 14:17);"
2.2.2 A new relationship to other religions
Inclusivism implies a new relationship between Christianity and other religions, if God is preveniently at
work among the peoples. It calls for a generous openness to the possibility of God's gracious presence
there. We must not continue to walk the path of superiority and chauvinism that has too often sadly
characterized the old relationship. Inclusivism calls for a more dialogical relationship among religions.
There are various types of dialogue. One kind discusses how to live together in peace, another shares
religious experiences mutually, yet another might try to access truth claims. All such forms of dialogue
are important. Dialogue arises out of our caring for other people and involves a willingness to listen
respectfully to one another.
3. INTERELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
Dialogue comes from the Greek root word "dialogos basically means conversation or discourse. Dialogue
is an effort in understanding what others believe, with a disposition that completely suspends one's own
beliefs and principles in order to be able to be fully integrated with the other's beliefs and views."
Interfaith Dialogue refers to the positive, constructive and cooperative interaction between people of
different religious faiths and spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at both the individual and institutional levels,
with the aim of promoting understanding between different religions to increase acceptance and
tolerance."
Dialogue is to build humanity toward communion through communication. Dialogue, especially,

interreligious dialogue is the hope for today's world in the face of growing fundamentalism and
intolerance, Interreligious dialogue removes ignorance and unnecessary fears about other religions. The
Parliament of World Religions, held in September 1893, in Chicago USA, is regarded as a turning point in
modern interfaith movement. It brought together leading global voices in the emerging religious studies
to promote interfaith understanding and communal harmony,
Inter religious dialogue is also a challenging process by which adherents of different religious traditions
encounter each other in order to break down the walls of division that stand at the core of most wark.
The underlying objective of interreligious dialogue is peace. There cannot be peace among all the
religions without dialogue amongst all. Basic oneness and unity and the universality of belief in religion
embraces all beliefs and races in brotherhood, and exalis love, respect, tolerance, forgiveness, mercy,
human rights, peace, brotherhood, and freedom via its Prophets. Interfaith dialogue seeks to find
common ground between religions. through an emphasis on harmony and peace, find solutions to many
of our common problems.
3.1. Promoting Interreligious Dialogue
For reaching out to people of different mindset, from intellectuals and experts, representing the highest
social echelons to poor, rural village laborers, unique efforts to uplift everybody in human values and
pluralism is required.
The role of media is equally significant in achieving communal harmony, instead of focusing mainly on
commercial items. fashion, consumer culture, entertainment and sports, a creative campaign among
publishers and editors of national and local newspapers and television channels can keep the enthusia
upbeat by publishing stories where Hindus have helped Muslims in times of dire need or vice-versa, or
cases where Christians have helped Muslims and Hindus There can be more coverage of inter-religious
events.
iii. Education can definitely play a pro-active role in educational institutions, by introduction of inter-
religious curriculum that can promote communal harmony and present a more balanced view of
religious history, as well as promote respect for all religious traditions.
CONCLUSION
Religious Pluralism offers an opportunity for societies to embrace diversity and foster peaceful
coexistence. While exclusive approaches perpetuate division and intolerance, inclusive approaches and
interreligious dialogue provide a framework for understanding, respect. And collaboration among
different religious communities, By actively participating in interreligious dialogue, individuals,
communities and institutions can contribute to the creation of a more harmonious and inclusive society.

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1.

2. THEOLOGIES OF RELIGIOUS PLURALISM

2.1. Exclusive Approach

2.2.1 God's presence in religion

2.2.2 A new relationship to other religions

Dialogue is to build humanity toward communion through communication. Dialogue, especially,

3.1. Promoting Interreligious Dialogue

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