Nicole Irvin

Approaches to Religious Diversity

Faith, Religion, and Society
Summarize the cautions Knitter offers about religious dialogue – chit-chat, relativism,
syncretism, imperialism. Explain which danger you would assess as the most problematic in
our American culture today.
Dialogue or a real conversation between people is not the same as chit-chat, small talk,
and/or gossip. In a dialogue conversation the material being transferred is vitally
important to all parties involved. The information communicated could include things
such as morals, values, and obligations.
Sometimes religious dialogue can be confused with lazy tolerance and/or relativism. Lazy
tolerance would be the acceptance of something if you felt it was sincere. Relativism is
that knowledge and truth in relation to culture or society is never absolute. For dialogue
to have meaning one cannot continue using lazy tolerance and relativism. It is important
for dialogue to include differences and arguments in a respectful way. I think it is
sometimes easy for a person to be a relativist when they agree with something just
because they do not start an argument.
I liked how the book described syncretism as a baking method. One would add all the
ingredients, mix, and the finished product is a new religion. But in religious dialogue, it is
important for people not lose their own identities through syncretism. Religious dialogue
is meant to form relationships and unity but not allowing you own beliefs to disappear.
Imperialism can be described when one feels they are being open to different ways of
thinking, when really they are imposing their own views and values. In my opinion, I feel
imperialism is the most problematic in society today. I think most people have felt they
are open to the discussion not realizing they are forcing their point of view. Last week I
was in a discussion with a friend about a topic I believed I was open to. The more I
thought about it, the reality was I already made up my mind before having the
conversation. Instead of listening to what the friend had to say, I immediately forced my
views and expected them to see it my way.
Using Knitter’s explanation of exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism as approaches taken by
Christians regarding the uniqueness of Jesus in a religiously diverse world, and Approaches
to Religious Diversity, explain in your own words the differences among the five
contemporary approaches.
Exclusivists have the attitude of believing there is only one right way to live and not
being open to any other options. Exclusivists want to convert people to their way of
thinking and if you would live in a different manner, it would not be accepted.
Inclusivists still believe their way is the right way but realize value in other religions and
views. Dialogue with others is encouraged.
Pluralists believe the truth is among many. Pluralists are open to understanding other
faiths and find it important to respect them.
Syncretists welcome all faiths and try to mix them together to produce a finished
product.
Relativists can be referred to as being lazy. Relativists go with the flow not questioning
anything about life and agreeing with anything that seems sincere.
Discuss your reading of Nostra Aetate? Had you heard of it before? What aspects or
approaches did you find significant, surprising, beautiful or . . . ?
Prior to the assignment of reading Nostra Aetate, I have not heard of it. As I was reading,
it surprised me the Church closely examined their relationships to non-Christian
religions. In my experience growing up my family viewed our Catholic faith in an
exclusivist way. I was taught the Catholic religion was the right and only way to worship
God or you would go to hell. This is one of the main reasons I started to question my
beliefs. One way cannot always be the right way and value can be found in other faiths.
In my opinion, realizing the Church made steps to promote unity and love among
humanity is significant. Although the Church is still inclusivists in that they believe their
truth is the most accurate and right, I am glad they are respecting other faiths (Hinduism,
Buddhism, and Muslims) and coming to know them better.

Nicole Irvin
Islam/Muslims
Faith, Religion, and Society
What did you know about Islam before this reading? Where did you learn this from? What
questions do you have, or where would you like to learn more about what is covered in these
chapters?
Prior to reading these chapters I knew very little about Islam. The little I did know was
generally from the media and news which typically reflects Muslims negatively. I think it
would be interesting to expand my knowledge regarding the two divisions within Islam
(the Shiite sect and the Sunni sect) and how the movements have been influential over
the centuries.
Discuss several new or important insights you have gained about the Qur’an from these
readings.
The first insight I gained was to recognize that comparison is not between the Qur’an
and the Bible but between the Qur’an and Jesus. I liked the example given to help
understand the parallels. Christianity believes Gabriel appears to Mary who conceives
the Word of God made of human flesh as Jesus. According to Islam, the angel Gabriel
appears to Muhammad who receives the Word of God through his hearing and narration
as the Qur’an. Jesus and the Qur’an are believed to be God’s Word.
I also found it interesting the Qur’an outlines five pillars essential to Muslim life.

1. Confession of one’s faith in God and in his prophet Muhammad

2. Ritual worship is practiced five times daily: before sunrise, after midday, at
midafternoon, shortly after sunset, and in the fullness of night.
3. Almsgiving or The Zakat (purification) tax on property. I was surprised to learn
Muslims pay taxes to benefit the poor.
4. Fasting.
5. Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
Lastly, I thought it was noteworthy to explain how Islam teaches different codes of
conduct affecting both men and women. These laws are rooted by the Qur’an and in the
Sunnah. It was interesting to learn the Qur’an is the ultimate authority and the Sunnah is
often challenged in the realm of textual authenticity.
What struck you from your reading of the Four Suras?
A couple of things struck me while reading the Four Suras. The very first thing was The
Opening is recited by both parties after business transactions as a mark of good faith. I
think this is wonderful and honorable but I couldn’t imagine it happening in my everyday
life. The Ground in showing compassing and caring towards the poor could be compared
to one of the five pillars of the Qur’an - Almsgiving or The Zakat. The Quaking on the
day of reckoning--what is done is done and nothing can be changed or rewritten. Lastly, I
find truth in those who spend their lives acquiring and hoarding possessions end up
enslaved and blinded by what really matters. Money and materials things do not buy
happiness.
How did you do on the Bible and Qur’an Quiz? What did you learn?
I wish I could say I did better on the quiz. Unfortunately, I missed 11. I did find a lot of
similarities between the Qur’an and the Bible. I honestly thought more of the violent
passages would be contained in the Qur’an, but I was mistaken. I should let my
perception of what I view on TV influence in how I think or feel about Muslims. Reading
the different literature in this module has changed my views on many things.