What is Pluralism?

 by Matt Slick

Pluralism is the belief that reality consists of many parts. There are different types of pluralism in different areas of study. Religious pluralism would teach that different religions are true, even though they might contradict each other. Ethical pluralism would teach that different moral systems are equally valid, though some may be better than others. Scientific pluralism would maintain that there can be different explanations for similar events. Political pluralism would acknowledge different governmental systems as being valid. Cultural pluralism would maintain that different cultures are equally valid even though some may be more utilitarian and beneficial to society than others.

Basically, pluralism is a catch all phrase that can be used in different contexts to designate a “more than one option” philosophy.  Pluralism then would stand in opposition to the idea of an absolutely correct system or belief. Such pluralism would contradict biblical teaching that there is one absolute and supreme being (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6; 45:5), that Jesus is the only way to be saved from the righteous judgment of God (Acts 4:12), and that the Bible alone is the revealed word of God.