Christian Pluralism: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference

The term ‘pluralism’ has been subject to misunderstanding – even misuse – over the past several years. Some read or hear the word and think simply of a multiplicity of opinions. Others think of a sort of moral relativism that affirms your truth and my truth, no matter how contradictory they may be. Others still may think of this as some sort of squishy interfaith unity that denies matters of ultimate importance. 

In a conversation with John Inazu, Trillia Newbell, and Michael Wear we dive into the meaning of pluralism and how it is that Christians in particular can live faithfully amidst a world of difference. These careful writers and thinkers help us begin to grasp a more robust vision for Christian pluralism:

“We are all actually called to be reconcilers. Any one of us who have professed faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to a ministry of reconciliation. That means a proclamation of the gospel. So sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to the world around me, to my neighbors, to my friends...I believe that the greatest love that we can extend to others is Jesus.” - Trillia Newbell

We hope you’re inspired by this conversation about hope, justice, faithfulness, and love, even in the midst of change, challenge, and conflict.

This podcast is an edited version of an evening conversation recorded in 2020. Watch the full video of the conversation here, and learn more about John Inazu, Trillia Newbell, and Michael Wear.

Authors and books mentioned in the conversation:

Liberty’s Refuge: The Forgotten Freedom of Assembly, by John Inazu

Confident Pluralism: Surviving and Thriving Through Deep Difference, by John Inazu

Uncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference, by John Inazu

Sacred Endurance, by Trilia Newbell

If God Is For Us, by Trilia Newbell

Fear and Faith, by Trilia Newbell

God’s Very Good Idea, by Trilia Newbell

Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in America, by Michael Wear

Christianity, Pluralism, and Public Life in the United States: Insights from Christian Leaders, by Michael Wear and Amy Black

Tim Keller

Russell Moore

Toni Morrison

Related Trinity Forum Readings:

The Federalist Papers

City of God, by Augustine of Hippo

The Children of Light and the Children of Darkness, by Reinhold Niebuhr

Politics, Morality, and Civility, by Václav Havel

Related Conversations:
A New Year With The Word with Malcolm Guite
Music, Creativity & Justice with Ruth Naomi Floyd
Pursuing Humility with Richard Foster and Brenda Quinn
Reading as a Spiritual Practice with Jessica Hooten Wilson
Walking as a Spiritual Practice with Mark Buchanan
Making as a Spiritual Practice with Makoto Fujimura
Connecting Spiritual Formation & Public Life with Michael Wear
The Kingdom, the Power & The Glory with Tim Alberta
A Life Worth Living with Miroslav Volf
Towards a Better Christian Politics

To listen to this or any of our episodes in full, visit ttf.org/podcast and to join the Trinity Forum Society and help make content like this possible, join the Trinity Forum Society

Special thanks to Ned Bustard for our podcast artwork.