Christianity · Objection
Saying Christianity is uniquely true is intolerant, and a pluralistic society requires that no religion claim exclusive truth.
Why people find it persuasive
Modern culture prizes tolerance, and exclusive claims seem arrogant or socially harmful. Many people consider humility to mean not claiming one's religion is correct.
Important distinctions
- • Tolerance as respect for persons versus agreement with all beliefs.
- • Social humility versus epistemic relativism.
- • Claiming truth versus coercing assent.
Christian response
- • Tolerance historically means allowing people to hold differing views, which presupposes disagreement. If everyone agreed, tolerance would not be needed.
- • The claim that all religions are equally true or that none can be uniquely true is itself an exclusive truth claim.
- • Christians hold that persons bear God's image and should be treated with respect even when they disagree (1 Peter 3:15-16).
- • Lesslie Newbigin argued that Christian truth claims can be offered with humility as public truth, not private preference.
Strongest version of the objection
Saying Christianity is uniquely true is intolerant, and a pluralistic society requires that no religion claim exclusive truth.
Christian counterresponse
History also shows that secular ideologies can be violent; the issue is how claims are held and pursued, not whether they are held.
Remaining questions
How to combine conviction and civility in the public square remains an ongoing practical challenge.
Related arguments
For further study
Primary and secondary sources on both sides of this question. Reading the strongest opposing case is part of the work, not a concession.
Is God a Moral Monster? — Paul Copan
The standard evangelical treatment of Old Testament ethical difficulties, including the conquest texts.
The Bible Tells Me So — Peter Enns
A very different Christian approach to the same difficulties; read against Copan to see the real options.
God and the Problem of Evil (Five Views) — Chad Meister and James Dew (eds.)
Five Christian positions argued against each other — useful for locating your own view honestly.
The Case against Miracles — John Loftus (ed.)
A sustained skeptical collection on miracle claims and biblical difficulties.