The existence of these diverse and

The existence of these diverse and often conflicting belief systems in our society highlights the fact that one of the most significant phenomena the church faces today is pluralism. Now it may be argued that there is nothing particularly new about that. Was not the society of the first century of the Christian era a pluralistic one? Has not the church in countries like India had to live and witness in pluralistic societies for a long time? While that is true, what is new is that throughout the Western world philosophical and religious pluralism is becoming the dominant world-view. Christianity is no longer seen as the natural background belief on which our society bases its moral and ethical standards. Christendom no longer exists.

What I propose to do is first of all to define pluralism and look at its roots, then to offer some criticisms of it and finally to suggest how the church might fulfil her mission in this situation. I acknowledge my debt to the writings of Lesslie Newbigin, Don Carson, Alister McGrath and others for their helpful insights.