Sacred Relativism: A Philosophical-Religious Approach to the Relativity of Religious Truth

Subject Areas : Philosophy of Religion

Mojtaba norzad ¹

1 -

Received: 2025-10-16 Accepted : 2025-11-01 Published : 2025-11-01

Keywords: Sacred relativism, philosophy of religion, Islamic mysticism, religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue,

Abstract :

 

In the contemporary world, religious and cultural pluralism constitutes a fundamental aspect of human life, raising profound questions about religious truth and its relation to diverse human perceptions. While religious truth is absolute and sacred, the multiplicity of religions, narratives, and spiritual experiences challenges the reconciliation of the “absoluteness of truth” with the “relativity of human understanding.” Addressing this challenge requires an interdisciplinary and integrative approach that avoids the extremes of absolutism and radical relativism, offering instead a balanced and practical framework. This article proposes the concept of “sacred relativism,” employing a theoretical, analytical, and philosophical-religious perspective. Sacred relativism upholds the sacredness and absoluteness of religious truth while recognizing the relativity of human interpretation, the plurality of experiences, and contextual variations. Drawing on the insights of Ibn Arabi and Mulla Sadra, the study demonstrates that divine truth is singular and transcendent, yet its manifestations are multiple and culturally, historically, and linguistically diverse. Beyond philosophical and mystical analysis, sacred relativism has practical implications, including promoting interfaith dialogue, managing religious and cultural conflicts, and enriching individual spiritual life. By acknowledging the limitations of human understanding and respecting interpretive diversity, this approach provides a foundation for peaceful coexistence, rational dialogue, and cultural engagement. Consequently, sacred relativism offers a comprehensive and balanced model for addressing the challenges posed by religious and cultural plurality in the modern world, integrating philosophy, mysticism, and religious practice into a coherent and unified framework.

 

 

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