Inclusivism in religion by definition is “the view that all religions have a partial truth” – that in the
relationship between religions, while there may be a set of beliefs that is
absolutely true, all religions are at least partially true. Exclusivism, on the
other hand, asserts that there is only one true way of belief and all other
religions are in error.[i]
For example, exclusivism in Christianity states that the Bible is God’s truth
and Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. Inclusivism finds good in all
religions, with the result that one may be “saved” by whatever way he or she seeks for or relates to God. Inclusivism in practical terms, among those I know who are
inclusivists, usually resorts toward the end of the spectrum that all beliefs
are equally valid.
I find it interesting how broad and how narrow the
inclusivist view can be. Inclusivism stresses that all beliefs are equally
valid, but will not validate the exclusivist view. Therefore, anything and
everything that seeks God can be good, except the view that there is only one
God and one way to seek him! How inclusive is that?
The Bible teaches there is only one true God (e.g.
Deuteronomy
6:4-5; Isaiah
37:16) and that there is only one way to know the true God, through
Jesus Christ (e.g. John
14:6; Acts
4:12). For there is one
God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
Selah.
[i] Not that every single
thing they say or teach is in error, but specifically the way to God.
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