Globalization and with it the increasing multi-religious nature of many societies, make religious pluralism more important than ever. Those who feel they have a monopoly on truth can be an obstacle to the kind of mutual respect and understanding needed in today's world. However, this need not be so. Some believe they have the fullness of truth, but also acknowledge the presence of truth in other faiths. Those with exclusivist theologies that believe they have a monopoly on truth do present a greater challenge. Some are in fact not only theological but social isolationists. Others are not and thus conversation, common ground and cooperation are possible.

Theological absolutism need not preclude conversation and cooperation for those whose faith is not simply patronizing, chauvinistic or isolationist but includes notions of concern for or love of neighbor, social responsibilty, social justice, and compassion for others. These qualities can be found among believers of all the world's great religions. Belief in a monopoly on religious truth does not mean a monopoly on all truth (non-theological truth). Nor does it necessarily mean a denial of the need to work with others nor a shared responsibility to work for the betterment of humankind and social change (health care, better schools, safer neighborhoods, family values, educational and environmental reform).