Kasey Nippes
Philosophy of Religion
Problem of Religious Diversity
4 August 2015
The fact that there are a multitude of different religions in the world has caused a huge problem for religious and nonreligious individuals for centuries. In this paper, I will define this problem called “the problem of religious diversity” as well as the possible solutions created after this problem was identified: pluralism, exclusivism and universalism. Also, I will compare and contrast the Catholic and Hindu religions to determine if they are fundamentally different or the same. The problem of religious diversity was first defined by philosopher David Hume. He noticed that there were a myriad of different religions throughout the world with different
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This response is universalism. Religious universalists believe that no matter what religion you believe in, you will receive eternal happiness. Religious universalism can be combined with either pluralism or exclusivism as well. A pluralist universalist believes that because all religions teach the same thing, everyone is living by the correct ideals and therefore everyone will get eternal happiness. A exclusivist universalist believes that even though each religion is different, as long as you live a moral life, you will receive the one true religion’s eternal happiness. This idea adds a more optimistic outlook on the problem of religious diversity and almost eliminates the need to call it a …show more content…
The easiest way to understand every aspect of Catholic faith is to look at the Apostles’ Creed. This prayer clearly outlines the twelve components of the Catholic belief system. This first is that God created the universe. The second, is that Jesus Christ is holy and he is the son of God. The third is that his mother, Mary, conceived him through the Holy Spirit. The creed goes on to explain that Jesus was sentenced to death, died and then rose three days later. Catholics believe that Jesus is now in Heaven ruling with God and will one day rise again. Catholics also believe in the idea of the Holy Trinity. This is the idea that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one divine being. The idea of the church as more than just a building is important in the Catholic religion. They also believe that all sins will be forgiven and that there will be “everlasting life” after
In a culturally diverse world, it is difficult for individuals and communities to express thoughts and opinions to one another well. It is especially difficult when it comes to disagreements and differences regarding religion. To overcome this struggle, it is important to be open-minded, accepting, understanding, and respectful of everyone – whether they have the same or different beliefs. Each religion has its own set of traditions, practices, and beliefs. Because of this, individuals of different religions may not agree with one another, often resulting in conflicts.
As America is rich in multi cultural immigrants’ diversities in culture, beliefs, faiths and religion are not uncommon among American population. Health care profession is one of the major areas that are affected with these diversities of culture, beliefs, faiths and religion. While there are many advantages of rich and diverse heritage, it’s challenging for health care professionals to deal with those from various faith/ spiritual background, especially for minority religious groups. However, in order to provide best available care health care professionals
Schleiermacher’s fifth and final speech explores the range of religions presentations viewed across the world and how this impacts the idea of the plurality of God. not only this by in his conclusion Schleiermacher puts forward the idea that Christianity can be viewed as separate from all other religions as the most accurate form of religion.
What is religious pluralism one may ask? Religious pluralism is the idea that no one religion is absolutely true, but almost all religion can lead us to what we desire most “salvation.” Hick believes there is only one divinity with different religious interpretations. According to Hick, "each major religion has a different interpretation of the same ultimate reality"(632). Dalai Lama is the spiritual head of Tibet and in an interview with Jose Ignacio Cabezon discusses the benefits of diversity in religions.
Differences in culture, history, geography, and collective temperament all make for diverse starting points. . . . But beyond these differences, the same goal beckons” (Prothero 1). This is a great approach because it puts the differences in religions in perspective while still showing they all show a common goal. The second scholarly approach is the ‘4 Step Process’ which is also by Stephen Prothero. First, there must be a problem. Second, there must be a solution to this problem, which also serves as a religious goal. Third, there must be a technique for moving from this problem to this solution. Fourth, there must be an exemplar who chart this path from problem to solution. This is a great approach because it helps to point out the differences across and inside religious traditions. The third scholarly approach is the ‘Question of Ultimate Meaning’. William Portiers approach deals with the deep or great questions about the human condition that we can only answer ourselves. “Why are we here? What becomes of us in the end? What is our final purpose? What is a human being and how ought we to behave toward one another?” (Portier 17). This is a great approach because it makes you personally come up with answers to those questions and to answer those questions, you must look at many different religious traditions. The fourth scholarly approach also written by William Portier deals with ‘The Dialectical
In the article “The Good of religious pluralism” written by Peter L. Berger, the paper outlines four ways that pluralism benefits religions rather than being a threat that its often seen as today to individual religions and their beliefs. The first benefit that he lists is that “it becomes more difficult to take a religious tradition for granted” (Berger 41), he believes this is a benefit because pluralism allows other people to hold different beliefs and values and gives people a sense of doubt which allows people to wonder about other beliefs and hold true to their own. Secondly, “pluralism opens freedom to the individual, and freedom is a gift that should be allowed to all.” (Berger 40) Berger believes that religious freedom is a fundamental right for humans to pursue whatever
Religion is a universal term that is widely used for a human’s belief system. The views on how religions compare to one another can be defined differently. One view explains religions using a united belief system by their common goals. Another view explains that different religions are just a shared essence and have vast differences between their specific traditions and customs. This shared essence, but vastly different theory, is explained by Stephen Prothero, using the term “pretend pluralism”. There are many major and minor religions that have guided people in their morals and beliefs. Religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. All five of these current, major religions have vast differences, but may have common goals in their morals, traditions, etc. Two of the most practiced religions, of these five, are Christianity and Islam. These two religions are constantly at battle with one another, but what many people don’t see is that there are just as many similarities between these two religions as there are differences. Through this paper we will discover the underlying similarities and differences between these two religions and, hopefully, conclude that supports either the common goal theory or the “pretend pluralism” theory.
Subsequently, these images of the divine run the risk of becoming immanent, barren idols meant ‘just’ to give the community the means to self-identify. This way any genuine connection with God is lost, and at the same time any chance of seeing the whole of creation as in communion with him is blocked. In this respect, not only the concept of monotheism justifies the existance of multiple true religions, but it makes it a desirable condition. Paraphrasing Shanks, one could say that the advantage of there being more than one genuine religion is that this makes easier to grasp the presence of God through each of their own symbols. Thus, to take part in interreligious dialogue brings forth enrichment in multiple fashions, and contribute to the health of the traditions involved.
Catholics strongly believe in life after death and that humans were created to be in perfect with each other and God before sin entered the world. They believe that Jesus was fully God and fully human. His sacrifice upon the cross was the start of a new agreement. By doing this he restored the personal relationship between humans and God.
Catholics believe that God is truth, love, hope, and all things in the world that are good. Catholics have faith in God because they believe in trust, and they believe that God IS truth. God revealed truth to Catholics through Jesus, who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). God is the source of all truth as he is present everywhere, and knows all things, including the good and the bad.
Determining which religion is the “right” one to follow is one of the most difficult tasks a person could undertake. Everyone wants to feel like his worship and praise of a deity is having some sort of positive effect on his life. From a Christian perspective, there are numerous positions in the theology of religion that its followers can choose from that attempt to explain the significance of Christianity within the context of all world religions. Three of the most prominent positions in this field of study are exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism. Major proponents of these perspectives are the theologians William Lane Craig, Karl Rahner, and John Hick, respectively. Grasping what each position advocates for is imperative not only for finding one’s own belief system, but for understanding the religious diversity around the world that is becoming more and more prevalent through globalization.
On July 12, 2007, for the first time in American history the Senate session that day was opened by a prayer; unlike any other prayer, it was given by a Hindu priest. At first sight, it would seem as though the ideals designed by the framers of the Constitution were alive and well; the pluralization of the United States of America, the land of freedom of religion, and the right to worship without persecution. However, the Christian right wing religious group Operation Save America entered the Senate floor and began to heckle Rajan Zed, the Hindu priest, perpetuating that Hinduism is an “abomination”, as Hindus do not worship “The lord Jesus Christ”. This leads us to ask the question: Is America a land of religious pluralism, or is it a
On this vast planet religions are becoming more prevalent and are being studied more frequently in recent times. Many individuals want to study and learn about the origins of some religions, on where they were developed and what was the cause of this glorification of a divine. The art of religion is processed by many ideologies, background, beliefs, myths, and rituals. The five major religions of the world include: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism are solely based on these ideologies, and ultimately leads to one goal, to follow the path of god, or to seek a euphoric state of salvation. In spite of all the differences among the world’s five major religions, they have very similar ethical constructs, which should encourage more mutual respect among them.
Catholics are a Christian sect and believe in one God. Like other Christians, they believe that Jesus is God's Son which goes hand-in-hand with the belief in the Holy Trinity. God the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit
Both of these kinds are applicable to the discussions of religious pluralism. Differences must also be made amongst those elements which are different between religions and those that are perceived to be different (Hick, 1989). This difference will be made clearer as the essay progress.