PLURALISM Exclusivity, inclusivity, and pluralism are the three broad approaches to the question of religious diversity in the 21st century. Vatican II, under the leadership of Pope John Paul II , changed Christianity from the exclusive view it had for centuries into a more inclusive view thereby adapting it to modern times. Christianity then began to accept other religious views. This change was an important step on the road to developing a more global perspective which will be necessary in this ever changing world of ours. Dialogue between faiths is an important step in restoring peace in the world. The next great step on this road to globalization is pluralism which means acceptance that many paths may be followed toward the goal of knowing God. All faiths should be respected and exclusivity should be banished in our theological discourse. William Cantwell Smith wrote a nice explanation of this process toward pluralism which he called "Comparative Religion: Whither and Why? : The traditional form of Western scholarship in the study of other men's religion was that of an impersonal presentation of an "it". The first great innovation in recent times has been the personalization of the faiths observed, so that one finds a discussion of a "they". Presently the observer becomes involved, so the situation is one of a "we" talking about a "they". The next step is a dialogue, where "we" talk to "you". If there is listening and mutuality, this may become that "we" talk with "you". The culmination of the process is when "we all" are talking with each other about "us". I think this exemplifies the Universal Life Church motto to a tee. After all, we are all children of the same Universe. May God bless our church, Rev. Dr. Dean
