The Idea
The text distinguishes between religions saying of themselves that they are “the true religion” and what this claim produces in reality. When each community claims possession of the ultimate truth, mutual rejection arises among religions, and recognizing the other becomes more difficult. The problem is not the desire to believe, but the transformation of belief into an exclusionary judgment that closes the door to the common human ground.
Concise Formulation
The claim to be the true religion produces mutual rejection among religions
Its Place in the Book’s Argument
This idea is a key part of the book’s comparative argument, because it explains how a notion that may seem self-evident within each religion can create tension between religions. The book does not attack doctrine as such, but examines its effect when it turns into rigid dividing lines. This observation therefore shows that conflict arises from self-centering, not merely from the existence of belief.
Why It Matters
The importance of this idea lies in the way it explains one of the roots of misunderstanding between religious groups. It shows that the problem does not begin with difference itself, but with the claim to exclusive truth. This matters for understanding Arkoun because he connects religious critique to the ethical and political question of the possibility of living together, not merely to theoretical debate.
Brief Evidence
The text distinguishes between religions saying of themselves that they are “the true religion” and what this claim produces in reality. When each group claims possession of the ultimate truth, mutual rejection arises among religions, and recognizing the other becomes more difficult. The problem is not the desire to believe, but the transformation of belief into an exclusionary judgment that closes the door to the common human ground.
Reading Questions
- How does the claim to be “the true religion” lead to mutual rejection among religions?
- Can one believe without turning belief into a standard for excluding others?
Degree of Documentation
High: the claim appears in a clear passage from the book’s material.