Journal: Global Journal of Classical Theology
Volume: GJCT 10:1 (Jun 2012)
Article: An Analysis And Appraisal Of The Exclusivist Claims Of Hinduism, Buddhism And Christianity
Author: Willie E. Honeycutt

An Analysis And Appraisal Of The Exclusivist Claims Of Hinduism, Buddhism And Christianity

Willie E. Honeycutt

Asst. Prof. of Contemporary Issues

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Abstract. It is commonly held these days that Christianity is uniquely exclusivist. This paper will point out how both Hinduism and Buddhism, in their representative texts The Baghavad-Gita and the Dhamapadda respectively, make clear claims to exclusivity as well. Pluralists do not generally take these claims seriously, and this and other problems with the pluralists’ thesis will be discussed, including the glaring problem of contradiction. The paper will include a defense that the Bible’s claim to exclusivity is consistent with itself and subsequent Christianity orthodoxy while Hinduism and Buddhism fail to maintain such continuity throughout their written documents, and the subsequent teachings of their followers.

Introduction and Focus

In this paper I propose, after briefly surveying a trend toward religious pluralism in the contemporary mindset, to analyze in some detail the original texts of Hinduism and Buddhism demonstrating that both of these systems have patent claims to exclusivity. I will then provide an appraisal of these claims compared to Christianity via a further analysis and criticism of two major flaws in John Hick’s version of religious pluralism.

Christianity and Religious Pluralism

In his chapter, “There Can’t Be Just One True Religion”1 author and pastor Timothy Keller explains that the past two decades ministering in New York City has led him to discover that what many people find “most troubling” about Christian belief or practice is its claim to exclusivity.2 Keller quotes a couple of people from actual encounters he has had. “How could there be just one true faith? . . . Surely all the religions are equally valid,” and “Religion . . . may be the greatest enemy of peace in the world. If Christians [and other religions] insist that they have ‘the truth,’ the world will never know peace.”3 This sentiment is increasingly common, and the basis of rejecting “organized religion” vying for a more amorphous, subjectivist spirituality that seeks to see a common core of truth in all religions, and that insists that all religions are basically teaching the same thing if you get below the surface. Philosopher of religion, Huston Smith writes, “in the foothills of theology . . . the religions are distinct, . . . but beyond these differences, the same goal beckons” and, finally, on life’s mountain, whatever religio...