exclusivism
The doctrine or belief that one's own religion or worldview is the sole path to truth, divine favor, and salvation, rejecting all other traditions as erroneous.
Focuses on firm boundaries regarding truth claims; differs from sectarianism in being a formal theological claim rather than necessarily an attitude of personal hatred.
Word relationships
- absolutism: Absolutism is a broad philosophical or political stance on unbending principles, while exclusivism specifically addresses salvation and divine truth.
- narrow-mindedness: Narrow-mindedness describes general bigotry, whereas exclusivism can be an articulated theological theory based on scripture.
- inclusivism: Inclusivism allows that truth and grace extend to other faiths.
- pluralism: Pluralism affirms multiple paths as equally legitimate.
Commonly confused with
- dogmatism: Dogmatism is the arrogant manner of asserting beliefs without evidence, whereas exclusivism is the specific content claim that only one path is correct.
Word family
- exclusivist (noun): One who adheres to religious exclusivism.
- exclusive (adjective): Excluding or tending to exclude others.
Collocations
- religious exclusivism
- theological exclusivism
- strict exclusivism
- reject exclusivism
Example sentences
- "Strict religious exclusivism holds that adherence to a specific confession is an absolute requirement for salvation." Comparative Religion
Memory hook
Exclusivism = Excluded from salvation if you aren't part of this specific group. Ex-clude = keeping all other faiths out.
When not to use
Do not use for luxury products or high-end social clubs; in this context, it refers specifically to belief systems and salvation.
Fun facts
- The historical Latin maxim 'Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus' ('Outside the Church there is no salvation') is a classic statement of religious exclusivism.
Related words
Explore more words
exclusivity, fundamentalism, bigotry, nationalism, absolutism, monotheism
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.