Let me explain. For the [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Exclusive Position|exclusivist]], one's own community, tradition, and encounter with G-d is the one and only exclusive truth; all other claims on encountering G-d are a priori false. Judaism is the sole path to G-d; those who are not Jews are at best bystanders in the Divine scheme, and at worst antagonists. This view can be found in some Talmudic texts and in many later commentators. Some renowned authorities in this category are: Rabbi [[Shlomo ben Yitzhak]] (Rashi), some readings of [[Maimonides]], Rabbi [[Yehudah ben Betzalel Loewe]] (Maharal), Rabbi [[Zevi Yehudah Kook]], Rabbi [[Isaac Luria]], Rabbi [[Menachem Mendel Schneersohn]].

For the exclusivist, the other religions are simply false. There is no broader, outside world whose claims need to be harmonized and addressed; there is only the realm of the “other side.” While this position may be at odds with ethical (and therefore universal) sensitivities, it plays a powerful sociological role for groups who feel embattled and threatened by the majority culture.

===Inclusivist===

For the [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Inclusive Position|inclusivist]], other religions are explained by his own religion. All humanity is beloved by G-d and chosen from amongst all creation. As Zephaniah has prophecied, the nations will in messianic times all call upon G-d. The distinction between Israel and the nations is the presence – or absence – of the Sinai revelation. All have the image of G-d, but the Sinai experience is only for Jews. He acknowledges a world outside his own, but relies on his own worldview to make it comprehensible and give it meaning. He speaks the language of his own theology, and uses its vocabulary to describe outsiders. Some renowned authorities in this category are: Rabbi [[Yehudah Halevi]], some readings of [[Maimonides]], Rabbi [[Yosef Gikkitila]], Rabbi [[Ovadiah Seforno]], Rabbi [[Yaakov Emden]], Rabbi [[Samson Raphael Hirsch]], and Rabbi [[Abraham Isaac Kook]].

In this, he differs from the pluralist, who will address others in their own language. The pluralist can be criticized for trying ~~stepping~~ to step outside his own religious language rather than pushing its boundaries, but can be admired for naming others in their own terms.

===Universalist/Pluralist===

The [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Universalism/Pluralistic Position|pluralist]] accepts that truth is not in the possession of any one tradition, understanding religion as a way of approaching, rather than defining and naming, G-d. He accepts his limitations in understanding the wider world and believes G-d is present and active within the world. Some renowned authorities in this category are: Rabbi [[Yosef Gikkitila]], some readings of [[Maimonides]], Rabbi [[Nathaniel ibn Fayumi]], Rabbi [[Jonathan Sacks]], Rabbi [[Samson Raphael Hirsch]], Rabbi [[Henry Pereira Mendes]], Rabbi [[Israel Lipschutz]], Rabbi [[Elijah Benamozegh]], Rabbi [[Nachman of Breslov]] and Rabbi [[Adin Steinsaltz]].

===Irrelevantist===

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