What's the Use of Exclusivism?

Abstract

The author examines the unique contributions of exclusivism to the Christian theological discussion of religious diversity. Exclusivist theologians develop epistemologically oriented approaches while inclusivist and pluralist theologians tend to work from soteriological orientations. The epistemological orientation leads exclusivists to regard religions as foundational for truth claims and believers as their agents. As such, exclusivists are more able to address how ordinary believers encounter and understand religious diversity, whereas inclusivists and pluralists are less able to do this.