What does the term "universalizing religion" refer to?

The term "universalizing religion" specifically refers to a faith that aims to have a global appeal, seeking to be inclusive of people from various cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds. These religions actively seek to spread their beliefs and practices across different countries and cultures, often through missionary work or other forms of outreach. Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism are prime examples, as they have expanded beyond their regions of origin and are practiced widely across the world.

In contrast, some religions are described as "ethnic religions," which tend to be more localized and are often closely tied to specific cultural or national identities. These local or ethnic belief systems do not typically aim for global expansion or conversion. The other options describe characteristics of religions that do not align with the idea of universalizing; for instance, a religion confined to a single culture lacks the expansive approach of universalizing religions, and belief systems that reject organized practices do not seek to engage with a broader audience.