exclusivists

Exclusivists are proponents of exclusivism, the view that certain goods, truths, or salvific possibilities are accessible only to a restricted group or within a particular framework. The central claim is that access to ultimate truth, virtue, or salvation is not universal but limited to those meeting specific criteria.

Religious exclusivism is the most widely discussed form. In this usage, adherents argue that salvation, enlightenment, or ultimate truth is available only through a particular religion or religious community, or only through adherence to a specific set of beliefs or practices. This commonly contrasts with inclusivist or pluralist positions, which allow for possible validity or attainment outside the group.

Epistemic exclusivism is a related usage in which knowledge or justification is considered possible only within a given epistemic framework, tradition, or authority, and cross-framework justification is viewed as invalid or unreliable.

Moral exclusivism is another framework, claiming that certain moral truths or moral statuses apply only within a particular system or to certain beings, and that other systems or beings cannot attain the same moral standing or obligations.

Critics argue that exclusivism can foster intolerance or hinder intergroup dialogue, and that it rests on contested assumptions about truth, salvation, or knowledge. Proponents respond that exclusivist positions reflect the seriousness with which traditions guard core commitments, while supporters of inclusive or pluralist approaches aim to acknowledge others’ credibility without diluting central claims.

Variants exist, including hard versus soft exclusivism, and religious exclusivism is often debated within doctrinal communities themselves.