Understanding Exclusivism

Exclusivism is a theological standpoint which posits that one’s own faith tradition is the sole truth and no other religion holds any validity or truth.
This belief system tends to reject interfaith dialogue as it contends that there is nothing substantial to learn from other religions.

Key Aspects

One True Faith: Exclusivism purports that there exists only one true faith or pathway that leads to salvation or enlightenment.
Reject Other Religions: Exclusivists often dismiss other religions as being false, misguided or potentially harmful.

Literal interpretation: Exclusivist views often rely on strict, literal readings of religious texts, rejecting more metaphorical or symbolic interpretations.
Selective Emphasis: They tend to place heavier weight and emphasis on specific scriptures or teachings that support the idea of exclusively one true religion.

Intolerance: Exclusivism is often criticised for promoting intolerance towards other faiths and cultures, potentially leading to conflict and hostility.
Lack of Openness: Critics argue that Exclusivism’s rejection of interfaith dialogue can limit personal and spiritual growth by closing off opportunities to learn from other viewpoints.

Christian Exclusivism: Many Christian Exclusivists hold that salvation is only achievable though faith in Jesus Christ, as in John 14:6: “Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.”
Islamic Exclusivism: Islamic Exclusivists believe that Islam is the final, complete and perfect revelation of God, invalidating all previous revelations, as in Qur’an 3:85: “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.”
Buddhist Exclusivism: Although less common, some forms of Buddhism propose that only through the Buddha’s specific teachings can one attain true enlightenment.