Christianity is the Most Inclusive (and exclusive) Religion
As our nation celebrates the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., many of us will hear his speeches broadcasted, attend lectures or rallies, visit memorials, and consider his impact. In a pluralistic America, the place of Rev. King’s Christianity can be debated and even hidden. Was it merely a facade for him to unite the country around a civil religion? Was it one of many religions he could have trusted in order to work for equality and peace? Or was it essential to his confidence and cause? It’s commonplace to hear accusations against Christianity for being too exclusive. It’s too preachy, it focuses too much on beliefs, and its beliefs tend to divide and exclude, rather than unite; it talks too much about its own uniqueness, and not enough about what it shares with all other religions. It has been a historical force for conflict and strife, rather than peace. Many of these types of accusations have their historical justifications, from which Christians can humbly learn. T