The Paradox of Respectful Pluralism and Exclusivity

What?

Douglas Hicks makes a remarkable claim when he states that "...religion is a healthy, central part of an individual's identity" and that "workplace organizations can address religious diversity in healthy ways" (p 496). Why is this so remarkable? Well, the fact that this statement is found in a textbook is a good place to start. What have we all been told not to talk about since the dawn of time, it seems? Religion and politics. I find it rather refreshing that a textbook can address one of these topics with boldness and delicate respect. And since both topics are apparently taboo, let's just discuss one in this blog!

So What?

The concepts of respectful pluralism, non-compartmentalization and exclusivity are all at play when religious preferences intersect. Respectful pluralism is the extension of equal respect based on human dignity to all workers and therefore granting "employees the right to religious and other expression in the workplace" (p495). That being said, since humans all share common dignity, respect is due to individual preferences.

A compartmentalized approach

What I found almost ground-breaking, is Hicks discussion of a non-compartmentalization approach to religion. Finally someone calls a spade a spade. Religions were never intended to be one part of who we are - they are in fact a worldview that gives one a lens to discern all things; be it careers, relationships, finances, etc. GK Chesterton rightfully said that "A man can no more possess a private religion than he can possess a private sun and moon.” As I've spent the last decade or so interacting with college students, I find this non-compartmentalization approach to ring true. We are more than mere subcategories and most students long to live a life where thoughts and actions are in harmony, not conflict.

And finally, the paradox of this respectful pluralism is presented.  Differing religions make exclusive claims about reality, suffering and life's purpose. Yet pluralism allows exclusivity and respect to operate at the same time, allowing coworkers to work well together despite differing religious preferences.

Now What?

Hicks rightfully states that the workplace is not the forum to resolve religious claims. Companies have a rightful for-profit mission and resolving theological preferences is typically not a part of that mission. He upholds individuals' rights to expression as long as those expressions do not coerce or degrade others or create institutional preferences. Our very nation was birthed out of religious oppression and created a freedom of religion principle to uphold individuals' right to think and consider the deepest matters of life. While we have distinct Christian values in our national heritage, maybe the most defining Christian value we have is the respect for human dignity. Within that dignity is an inherent right to choose a religion and express it accordingly. Respectful pluralism allows differing exclusive religions to exist at the workplace and upholds the individual's right not fragment their religious preferences from other compartments of life.