Engaging in Religious Pluralism as a Christian
Our society today is based on political correctness or what I see as ‘I am always right” and “My needs are more important than yours.” That may seem like a bold statement, especially when talking about Religious Pluralism. The fact is, even though it is everywhere, I did not truly know what it was until I started researching for this article.
Religious pluralism is known as the idea that people have the right to practice their religion, or not, as they choose. It is based on “e pluribus unum”, which means “one out of many”. From the beginning of the Bible until now, you can see how new religions have started. When people did not like how something was taught, they started a new religion. Today’s society is more concerned with tolerance and acceptance than with what is right and good.
We need to remember and keep Matthew 5:9 in the forefront of our minds. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (usccb.org) This doesn’t mean that Christians should “give in” or “play along.” It means they should be involved in interfaith engagement. This will help you to learn about other faiths and how people are shaped by their faith. It helps to develop a mutual respect and can even deepen your own faith.
Interfaith engagement can help people work together towards common goals, combat intolerance and promote peace.
What is Religious Pluralism?
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines Religious Pluralism as “Religious pluralism, broadly construed, is a response to the diversity of religious beliefs, practices, and traditions that exist both in the contemporary world and throughout history.”
Crosswalks.com has an article by Rick Kirby entitled, “Why Is Religious Pluralism So Dangerous?” He explains how Religious Pluralists believe there is no one right religion. This is a very politically correct attitude that is found in many areas of life. People generally start to look for answers to how the world came to be by beginning with man. We know the Bible tells us differently. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 clearly states, “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength.” (usccb.org) God is where the answers are found.
We do know that if something is fact, the opposite cannot be fact, yet many times people accept religions with differing stances as correct. They cannot all be correct if they are saying different things. Sure, at the foundation there may be one truth that they all agree on.
Acts 17:26-27 states, “He made from one the whole human race to dwell on the entire surface of the earth, and he fixed the ordered seasons and the boundaries of their regions, so that people might seek God, even perhaps grope for him and find him, though indeed he is not far from any one of us.” (usccb.org) This scripture does show that all people may seek God which is a commonality. This does not mean that every differing nuance is true.
How Christians Can Engage with Respect
In this journey called life, humility and Christ-like love are demanded of us. This is stated in John 13:34-35, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (usccb.org) No matter our differences, we must engage with respect.
Two practical ways to show respect are:
- Being a good listener. James 1:19, “Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath,” (usccb.org)
- Speaking with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,” (usccb.org)
Always be loving and kind in your interactions with others. It is being a good Christian to be respectful of others despite your differences. You cannot correctly engage and share if you do not truly understand what their beliefs are and where they initiated. Provoking someone causes them to become angry and shut down fruitful communications.
Finding Common Ground in Shared Values
The old saying that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar is true. Find areas where different faiths overlap in principles. These could be in justice, peace, or love. Build on those similar beliefs and values to create a foundation for relationship-building.
Oftentimes Christians start with an aggressive “conversion-first” mentality. We need to really meet people where they are at. Learn their story. Learn their struggles. Have deep conversations to understand them and where they are in their faith and in their life. Every person has or will struggle with something in their life. Make your struggle and how you used faith to overcome it your story to tell. This can provide some common ground of understanding and help to open the doors of communication.
Navigating Differences in Religious Pluralism
Today’s society makes it extremely difficult to talk about religion and politics. Everyone is so easily offended and they feel like opinions are being forced on them instead of just discussing and learning. So, how do you address theological differences without conflict?
Here are some tips for productive discussions:
- Focus on understanding rather than winning
- Ask questions about what they believe and why
- Make comparisons about similarities in the foundation of belief
- Listen to what the other person has to say
- Show respect while explaining what you believe
Balancing evangelism with respect for others’ beliefs is explained in 1 Corinthians 9:22, “To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some.” (usccb.org)
Keep Your Faith in a World of Religious Pluralism
Our society is diverse. Diversity is a wonderful thing until it causes us to stray from the Truth. We are obligated by our Baptism to share the Truth. We are required to do so in a loving way. Always approach interfaith relationships with love and curiosity. You must first understand the other person. Always be kind. You can evangelize by living your faith in a Christian way. Live The Ten Commandments.
Now, as Matthew 28:19 reads, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,” (usccb.org)
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