Toward Theological Inclusivism: The Effects of a World Religions Course in a Mormon University

Abstract

ABSTRACTInclusivist, exclusivist, and pluralist attitudes toward other religions interact in complex ways within the Mormon faith. Hence, a course on the world’s religions at LDS-sponsored Brigham Young University presents an interesting case study in this context. Through survey data and statistical analysis this article attempts to examine the effect of this course over students’ convictions in their own faith, particularly in relation to the inclusivist vs. exclusivist spectrum. Findings suggest that the sympathetic exposure to other religions in this course did not decrease students’ confessional commitment to Mormonism although it reshaped it in a more inclusivist direction. The religious make-up of students’ families and communities of upbringing is also shown to play a role in this conclusion.