Inclusivism In America By Robert Wuthnow Summary

For the third journal in the religious diversity class, I cover the topic of inclusivism. The reading which we analyze comes from America and the challenges of religious diversity, by Robert Wuthnow. I’ll cover the following, first the definition of inclusivism, spiritual shopping and how they compare. Second, what is it that makes an inclusivist according to the author and I. Next, what inclusivists take for granted. Then, my personal relation to inclusivism, particularly if I identify as one. Finally, how inclusivists view conversion and if congregation. In general, this essay covers how inclusivists are reacting to a world of increasing diversity. How they are reconciling their exclusive traditions with their religion and accepting the faith

They are perpetually tinkering with their faith, making modifications or combining this theory or that practice. They are in an all you can eat buffet, putting Eastern meditation on their plate, a bit of Christ-like attribute there, add in some inspiration of Muhammad and you have the concoction in which many believe. There are many reasons why spiritual shoppers become who they are, maybe not having a strong religious push from authority figures when they were young, feeling the need to expand their views from their current frame of worship, or traveling and becoming exposed to other cultures and religions. They do not dedicate themselves to one religion exclusively. They let themselves be free and admit they have more to learn. As they travel they take what they like and move on to the next

Starting with the general view, there are two things that nudge people in this direction. First an explicit theology, a list of doctrines they believe exclusively. 2. “Cognitive strategies” things like avoiding questions about a contradiction between doctrine and acceptance (156). Often there was social experimentation often learned through their parents who taught them to be more accepting and less bigoted (135). Childhood friends that were made from going to their denomination keep them tied to their religion (135). The mere exposure to other religions usually comes to accepting them as a fact of life and to understand them, but not going as far a spiritual shopper as inclusivists exposure to other faiths was usually involuntary (137). Usually, in youth they tend to question the existing views of the congregation, they might have a high amount of authority questioning maybe feeling the answers they were given were inadequate (137). Inclusivists tend to take a break from their church at some point in their life, only coming back to it at a later point. Usually, this is to the church that they went to when they were children, as long as it is stimulating to them and open-minded to their possible questions (138),. A group practice which involves them, maybe through service, has a high relationship for making an