Alvin Plantinga and Pluralism - Essay Example

Alvin Plantinga and Pluralism Introduction: Alvin Plantinga talks extensively on exclusivism and pluralism. He viewed himself as an exclusivist. In defending exclusivism, Alvin Plantinga denoted that believes in pluralism are also arrogant. This paper provides an explanation of the reasons why Alvin Plantinga thinks that pluralism thoughts are arrogant. It would further give an independent opinion on whether Alvin Plantinga is right or wrong. In meeting its objectives, this paper will first explain the concepts of exclusivism and pluralism. This is because it is difficult to understand the teachings of Alvin Plantinga, without understanding the key provisions of these believes. This paper will then provide an analysis on Alvin Plantinga concepts of exclusivism and pluralism, and why pluralism is viewed as arrogant. This paper also contains an independent analysis on why Alvin Plantinga assertions, are correct. The position of this paper is that Alvin Plantinga is correct by asserting that pluralism is just as arrogant as exclusivism. The Concepts of Exclusivism and Pluralism: Religious pluralism can be seen as a policy or attitude that accepts the diversity of other religious belief systems, and their importance within the society. Religious pluralism can either be seen as a representation of the view that the religion of one individual is not the only source of truth. Pluralists believe that some other religions have an element of truth. Therefore, there is a need of referring to these religions and their values. This concept of religious pluralism has always existed since time immemorial. This is because the traditional societies used to worship many gods. An example is during the leadership of the Roman Empire, which embraced the worship of many gods and other religions. The Roman priests used to borrow from other religious teachings, and incorporate them in their beliefs. For instance, the Romans worshipped Jupiter as the Supreme god. This was a supreme God of the ancient Greeks, and they referred to his as Zeus. Religious exclusivism on the other hand is a doctrine that teaches that only one religion is superior to other religions. It does not recognize or identify the principles of other religious beliefs. In its normative nature, exclusivism is the belief that the religion of an individual is superior to the religion of other individuals (Peterson, William, Bruce and David, 22). Exclusivists believe that the principles and teachings of other religions are wrong, and uncalled for. The exclusivism doctrine is always linked to the teaching of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. These religions are linked to the Abrahamic faith that is belief in one God, who is Yahweh. According to the teachings of these religions, it is only their members of faith, who will get the opportunity of going into heaven. Take for example under Judaism, exclusivism is manifested, under the notion of, “The Chosen People”. Under this concept, anybody who does not ascribe to the Mosaic covenant is excluded from the next world, which would be peaceful, and under the leadership of God. Under Christianity, the concepts of religious exclusivism are depicted through the teachings of many protestant denominations (Peterson, William, Bruce and David, 27). According to these teachings, believe in Jesus Christ is the only way an individual can reach heaven. This is because everybody is a sinner, and the only source of redemption is through the belief of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, Islamic teachings indicate that Allah is the only god, and he should be obeyed. It is based on these exclusive and discriminative beliefs and values that exclusivism is an arrogant believe. Alvin Plantinga also believes that exclusivisim is an arrogant belief. This is because it advocates for the worship of a monotheistic God. However, Plantinga also believes that the concepts of pluralism are also arrogant in nature. Alvin Plantinga on Pluralism and Exclusivism: Alvin Plantinga explains that he believes in the following religious principles, 1) God is the one who created the world. This God who created the world is perfect, all knowing, and almighty. 2) People need salvation, and God, Jesus Christ, has provided a unique way in which people can acquire this salvation. Alvin Plantinga further explains that those people who believe in concepts 1 and 2 are exclusivists. Therefore, they believe in a monotheistic religion. That is, the worship of one God. On the other hand, those who believe in concept 1 but not 2 can be regarded as pluralists. Specifically, Plantinga denotes that they are not Christians. This is because there are other religions that believe in concept one, and concept 2, but they do not believe that it is only through Jesus Christ that an individual can acquire salvation. An example is Islam, which believes that God gave a unique way that people can get salvation, and this is through the teachings of Mohammed, who is his prophet. Furthermore, Plantinga explains that there are other people who do not believe in principle 2), but are not exclusivist in nature. These people believe in the existence of many gods, and religious views. Alvin Plantinga calls them naturalists, and they help in the promotion of religious diversity. Alvin Plantinga also calls these people pluralists. As an advocate of exclusivism, Alvin Plantinga explains that there is an inaccurate criticism against exclusivist thoughts and behaviors. People wrongly argue that exclusivism is elitist, oppressive, proud, and arrogant (Peterson, William, Bruce and David, 31). In defending exclusivism against these thoughts, Alvin Plantinga explains that the notion of the existence of many gods has some defects in it. The best way of addressing this defects or errors is by eliminating the defect, so that the belief under consideration may be a reflection of an individual’s value. Furthermore Alvin Plantinga explains that exclusivist should not be criticized for their beliefs, because they have reflected on all evidence that explains these beliefs, and they are even aware of the specific provisions that support their beliefs. Based on these facts, exclusivism is not an irrational belief. This is because it is grounded on facts and proofs. Furthermore, Alvin Plantinga explains that it is unfair to view exclusivism as arrogant, and at the same time viewing pluralism as morally correct. This is also has some arrogant element in it. Plantinga argues that pluralism is a minority religious viewpoint. This is because not many people ascribe to these values. Planting explains that pluralism is arrogant in the sense that it undermines the religious beliefs of a large number of people (Peterson, William, Bruce and David, 29). Pluralists argue that exclusivist lacks the truth. This makes them to be the only people who have a correct knowledge about God. Plantinga argues that the claim that almost all paths lead to God, is arrogant in nature. This is because it minimizes other monotheistic religious beliefs by creating another religious argument. Through this claim, Plantinga further asserts that pluralists are able to set aside the distinctive views of God. These are views that are widely believed by other monotheistic religions such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Pluralism is Arrogant: Plantinga is right when he asserts that pluralism, to some extent is arrogant. This is because pluralism fail to recognize the importance of other religious believes, and it assert that only its views are right, and other are wrong. For instance, people who ascribe to pluralism do not tolerate the Gospels of Christ, or even the 5 pillars of Islam. They denote that these must be under a new religious view point, that of pluralism. This is despite the fact that they do not believe in these principles. When pluralism recognizes these principles, it seeks to put itself above them. This is an element of arrogance. Furthermore, Plantinga is right when he asserts that it is hard to identify a major principle advocated by pluralism. This is because its generality, which views the religions of the world as equal. This is a general statement that makes it difficult to identify the major principles that pluralism stands for. Another reason why Pluralism is arrogant, is because it has some elements of discrimination in it. Pluralism normally takes the works of great thinkers in religion. This is for purposes of explaining their points. They cannot pick any thinker, unless they want to argue that every thinker is a great scholar as Aristotle or Plato. This is an aspect of discrimination. This is because they are judging the capability and value of another person thought. Discrimination is an aspect of arrogance. Plantinga is therefore right when he asserts that pluralism has some elements of arrogance. Conclusion: In conclusion, pluralism and exclusivism are both. The arrogance of exclusivism is denoted when it says that there is only a set of ways that can lead to salvation. This is discriminatory in nature, mainly because it places one religion above other religions. Pluralism on the other is arrogant because it denotes that all religions beliefs are able to lead someone to the same God. They believe that their ways are correct, and the teachings of exclusivists are wrong. Based on these facts, they place their beliefs on top of other religious view points. This is an aspect of arrogance that Plantinga talks about. Works Cited Peterson, Michael, William Hasker, Bruce Reichenbach,, and David Basinger. Reason & Religious Belief: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion. OUP, 2012. Print. Read More