Exclusivity vs. Pluralism?

Living with our deep differences, points out social critic Os Guinness, is one of the world's great questions. This is especially true when those differences are religious, or ultimate differences. How do we start—and sustain—a productive dialogue? Many have recognized recently that pluralism cannot be reduced to relativism, nor will mere tolerance suffice. But this means clearing a space for systems of thought that consider themselves the "only way." However you cut it, it looks like the pluralist conversation is going to be challenging.

Discussions Click here to join the discussion!

Watch the entire Playlist on our YouTube Channel • Os Guinness explains why this is one of the world's greatest questions. • Diana Eck points out that pluralism is neither relativism nor mere tolerance. • Tony Blaire and Miroslav Volf, Yale scholar of religion, strongly disagree. • John Haldane, St. Andrews philosopher, says tolerance fits with conviction. • Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Church in NYC, turns relativism in on itself. • In a pluralist conversation, can you try to convince? Vinoth Ramachandra shares what convinced those Christians.

Past Veritas Forums

Time for Truth? Click here to join the discussion!	The Veritas Forum at Stanford, 2002 Time For Truth What is truth? Have we lost it? Os Guinness, writer, journalist, and social critic, argues that truth is something which confronts us, causing us either to shape our desires to truth or to (try to) shape truth to our desires. Guinness engages in a thoughtful discussion that is relevant for anyone along the path of truth.
Beyond Tolerance? Click here to join the discussion!	The Veritas Forum at UC Berkeley, 2001 Beyond Tolerance: Western Myths about Pluralism What is pluralism? Does it necessarily conflict with tolerance? Vinoth Ramachandra, speaking out of the setting of Sri Lanka, argues that the western world has been caught up in a pluralist myth that does not take seriously the inherent difficulties in any multicultural situation.
Faiths in Conflict? Click here to join the discussion!	The Veritas Forum at Columbia University, 2009 Faiths in Conflict: Searching for a Common Space In a world where conflicting faiths divide societies, often violently, the inevitable question arises: can faiths harmoniously coexist? If so, which worldview best promotes this coexistence? Akeel Bilgrami speaks from the secular humanist perspective; Vinoth Ramachandra from the Christian perspective.