Abstract:
Religious pluralism model holds the belief that there is virtue in every religion, just as all
religions are good and are of equal value. It does not consider religion’s particularity but is
interested in the ideas that have not favoured any religion. The issue with this concept is not its
assertion of the validity of all religions. It is rather with its denial of the finality of any religion
as the way by which people could come to God. Hence, it allows the existence of multiple
religions in a given society and encourages religious tolerance. The beauty of pluralism is its
flexibility which makes religious practicing a wilful act and religious conversion a choice and
not a force, although it has the tendency to encourage syncretism. This research examines
critically the implications of pluralism using historical approach on the development of
Christian church. Data for the research were basically obtained from secondary sources. The
findings reveal that although religious pluralism has its negative sides, it gives the much needed
boost to development of church if its tenets are followed. Accordingly, the article recommends
that Christian churches in pluralist societies such as Nigeria should imbibe the virtues of
religious tolerance, and dialogue, if they want to remain alive and continue to be relevant.
CONTRIBUTION : Religious pluralism is a panacea to inordinate and incessant religious conflict, if given
its proper place in Nigeria, will breed religious tolerance, peace and progress. This work would
be of immense of benefit to government, missionaries and students across all strata of discipline.
