Universalism
- The term “universalism” is a concept used to denote various doctrines and ideas that consider all human beings in their origin and formation.
- That being the case, universalism would refer to various concepts such as theology, philosophy, and religion. It is a state whereby something is “universal” in nature.
- This is the case because such concepts tend to have “universal applicability.”
- In its wider sense, universalism supports the idea that “religion is a critical quality of human beings.” This makes it an important universal value.
- From the above definitions and considerations, it becomes evident that universalism refers to “concepts or things that are universal.”
- Since universalism is the state of being naturally acceptable and universal, it plays a significant role in the formation of different theological doctrines and concepts.
- For instance, Christians have developed the concept of “universal reconciliation” whereby all human souls will eventually be saved or reconciled to be part of their creator (or God).
- This explains why a new form of universalism known as “Unitarianism” assumes that “religion and theology form an important human aspect or quality.” As a result, the concept integrates all global religions.
- The concept goes further to embrace the idea of “universal reconciliation” between people and their God.
- It is agreeable that “universalism” is a critical idea or concept that has played a major role in the establishment of modern religions such as Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, among others.
- The other important tenet of universalism is that human beings believe in a specific “truth” that is universally acceptable.
- This is acceptable because such kind of “truth” sweeps across religious, historical, ethnic, global, or cultural boundaries.
Cultural Relativism
- The question of “culture” has remained a significant issue in many societies today.
- Cultural relativism is a unique principle that seeks to explain the nature of our conceptions, views, and ideas.
- From a cultural perspective, the concept explains that all cultures are equal. This means that there is no superior society or cultural group than the other.
- Supporters or proponents of cultural relativism have gone further to argue that all ethical, political, religious, cultural, and societal beliefs are always significant to a person’s culture.
- Ethical issues and ideas will always be guided by “social aspects or constructs” of a given society.
- It is because of such ideas that cultural relativism is widely acknowledged in our modern societies. As a result, anthropologists use the concept widely across the world.
- Cultural relativists and proponents argue strongly that all societies and cultures are superior, based on their values and beliefs.
- What many people fail to understand, according to cultural relativists, is that the differences between cultural groups are not signs of superiority or inferiority.
- The concept of “cultural relativism” goes further to explain that “the truth” is never objective.
- This explains that a person will be either wrong or right, depending on his/her opinion. As well, the society will also play a significant role in determining what ought to be right or wrong.
- That being the case, “cultural relativism” is a concept that sees everything to be right or wrong depending on the idea of “cultural expression.”
- Cultural relativism is, therefore, necessary because it supports the welfare and position of different cultures in society.