ABSTRACT

The factual pluralism or plural nature of world cultures is of course important, and this pluralism helps therefore to stimulate reflection on the truth of the Christian faith. A pluralistic society is one that does not conceive itself as enforcing a single ideology or faith. The perception of diversity has had important effects on Christian attitudes to other religions, but also noteworthy are some changes in regard to pluralism in the sense of the separation of church and state. In this sense of pluralism, there have been vital shifts, due to migration and other factors. The modern realization of diversity has led to an increased Christian interest in theologies and practices that incorporate elements from other religious traditions. Christians and others have proposed various responses to the challenge presented by alternative formulations of truth and practice. The positions are absolute exclusivism, absolute relativism, hegemonistic inclusivism, realistic pluralism, and regulative pluralism.