Problem Of Religious Diversity Paper

A number of approaches to religious diversity has been discussed in class namely: Exclusivism, Inclusivism, Postmodernism, Pluralism, Contextualism, etc. After thoroughly examining the various universal and non-universal ways of approaching religious diversity, I have come to the conclusion that the universal approach of exclusivism is the best approach to confidently assert my religious perspective, while dealing with the variety of religions that exist. The choice was made over Inclusivism, Postmodernism, Pluralism and Contextualism. The limitation of these approaches shall be weighed against my preferred approach which is Exclusivism.

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.

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

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

The religion group that I pick would be Christianity because I love to know what the other religions believes in and how do they worship. In ethnicity group that I pick to talk about is Asian (Asian descent) I have learned a lot since this class about the different type of ethnicity group but I work a lot around Asian when I am at work. These two choices are different from each other but I would love to learn more about their religion and ethnicity group.

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.

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

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.

The modern society is a highly pluralistic society. Rapid transmission of information in the modern era and the ability of people to travel around the world on a larger scale has created awareness that the world and the modern society has a multitude of diverse and contrasting viewpoints on a variety of issues. This pluralism is evident in the realm of religion than in any other realm. Human awareness of the existence of the many religions in the world, today, is unprecedented. Christians are aware of the existence of many other smaller religions apart from the mainstream Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism.

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.

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 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

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

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.