Interpreting Religious Pluralism

There are many ways in which one may interpret the concept of religious pluralism. My interpretation of religious pluralism is the diversity of thoughts, ideas and concepts relating to various religions, and the interpretations of those religions.

I believe religious pluralism impacted Christianity in many ways, but a majority of which root from the early Church's thoughts and reactions toward pluralism. These reactions were characterized by an intolerance of religious diversity and religious persecution. As a result of these reactions fueled by pluralism, we can see three ways in which Christianity was impacted; a call for reformation, a rise in secularism, and a later effort of the unification of Christianity.

The abuses within the early church, such as persecution of those nonconforming, issuance of indulgences, sparked the reformation. Contradictory and controversial actions taken by the church resulted in doubt in the minds of many, and established a drive within people towards the personal pursuit for truth. In reality, the church's reactions increased the amount/degree of religious pluralism. An example of which can be clearly seen through the life of Martin Luther. His disagreement with church practices at that time in which began with the nailing of his ninety-five thesis on the cathedral door later developed into the creation of the Lutheran Church. The movement continued in various directions developing other sects within Christianity resulting in what we identify as the reformation. As a result of the various sects of Christianity that operating with different beliefs, the notion of scandal of particularity is introduced within Christianity.

The second impact was the rise of secularism. Driven by historical events such as the reformation and the enlightenment, religion took another turn with the introduction of secularism. Throughout history, religion is repeatedly responsible for great wars, bloodshed, and persecutions.