The Concept of Religious Pluralism in a Globalized World: An Analytical and Comparative Study of John Hick and Hossein Nasr's Theories
Abstract
Religious pluralism is an increasingly significant phenomenon in our global society. As religious diversity continues to grow, it's essential to understand and appreciate different religious traditions and their beliefs. This thesis aims to contribute to the scholarly discourse on religious pluralism by analyzing and comparing the works of John Hick and Hossein Nasr, two influential scholars in the field. Using a qualitative research approach, the study provides a brief understanding of each scholar's key ideas and arguments and their contributions to the field of religious pluralism. Specifically, the study examines critical concepts such as the doctrine of Incarnation, the concept of primordial tradition, and the esoteric-exoteric dichotomy. The research also investigates Hick's perspective on the relationship between phenomena and noumena and Nasr's ideas on archetypes on the formation of religious belief systems. According to the topics discussed the study analyzes the differences between Hick and Nasr's approaches to religious pluralism particularly in relation to the formation of religion, the knowability of God, and the ethical and metaphysical dimensions of religious pluralism. Hick emphasizes the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation in promoting mutual understanding and respect while rejecting exclusivity associated with orthodox interpretations of the doctrine of the Incarnation and proposing a new interpretation. In contrast, Nasr emphasizes the need to preserve each religious tradition's unique identity and integrity. These differing perspectives reveal the complexity of religious pluralism and underscore the importance of continued exploration and dialogue in this area. Overall, this study seeks to enhance our understanding of religious pluralism and its implications for our global society. By providing a brief analysis of Hick and Nasr's works, this thesis can serve as a basis for further research in this area.