inclusivism
The theological stance that while one's own faith tradition contains the ultimate or central truth, other religious traditions also hold valid spiritual truth and can lead to salvation.
Positions itself between exclusivism (only my religion is true) and pluralism (all religions are equally valid paths).
Word relationships
- openness: Openness is a general character trait, whereas inclusivism is a formal theological doctrine regarding salvation and truth.
- exclusivism: Exclusivism asserts that only one specific religion holds valid truth, directly contradicting inclusivism.
Commonly confused with
- pluralism: Pluralism sees all major religions as independently valid paths to truth, whereas inclusivism still maintains that one's own religion provides the primary baseline or ultimate fulfillment.
Word family
- inclusivist (noun): A person who holds inclusivist theological views.
- inclusive (adjective): Including or covering all services, facilities, or items.
Collocations
- theological inclusivism
- embrace inclusivism
- inclusivism framework
- religious inclusivism
Example sentences
- "Christian inclusivism suggests that non-Christians can be saved through Christ's grace even if they have never explicitly heard the Gospel." Theology
Memory hook
Inclusivism = Including others in God's grace or truth while holding to your main house of faith. In-clude = bringing other faiths under the umbrella.
When not to use
Do not confuse with general workplace 'diversity and inclusion'; inclusivism is a specific theological term regarding spiritual truth.
Fun facts
- The Roman Catholic Church's Vatican II document 'Nostra Aetate' (1965) is widely viewed as a landmark statement of Christian inclusivism.
Related words
Explore more words
inclusivity, inclusive, ecumenical, syncretism, relativism, multiculturalism
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