The issue of religious beliefs has always been a rather contentious subject due to the often-conflicting interpretations of different religious principles. The absence of tolerance and readiness for a nuanced and respectful discussion of religious differences has provided the breeding grounds for conflicts throughout history. For example, the Thirty Years War and the massacres of the French Wars of Religion represent the possible repercussions of the absence of a coordinated discourse (Sălăvăstru, 2017). In turn, religious pluralism as the rejection of a single governing religion and the promotion of acceptance toward different systems of religious beliefs, at the very least, provides the grounds for peaceful coexistence and, at best, offers a chance at reconciliation.
In order to promote religious pluralism, the subject matter needs to be defined accordingly. While the notion of religious pluralism, in principle, is quite broad and implies the coexistence of different religious perspectives, it should be expanded to respecting other religious philosophies and tolerating different viewpoints (Objantoro, 2018). Proposed by numerous scholars, the specified vision of religious pluralism will allow minimizing the possibility of recurrent instances of aggression toward people of different religious beliefs, as well as resulting in massive conflicts (Objantoro, 2018). Given the comparatively recent history of religion-driven aggression, such as the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre and the resulting murder of hundreds of French Protestants, also known as Huguenots, reducing the probability of similar occurrences is vital (Sălăvăstru, 2017). In turn, religious pluralism as the acceptance of diverse religious beliefs will help to eradicate hatred and reduce the levels of hostility.
Due to the opportunity to introduce a coherent discourse and reduced the emotional tension between the participants, focusing on the means of reaching a compromise and coexisting peacefully, the notion of religious pluralism appears to be the best approach toward managing interactions between different religious communities. The proposed measure accounts for the differences in perspectives and avoids foisting dominant religious views on minority communities, thus promoting diversity. Therefore, religious pluralism must be seen as a viable solution to religious conflicts and the platform for establishing peaceful dialogue.
References
Objantoro, E. (2018). Religious pluralism and Christian responses. Evangelikal: Jurnal Teologi Injili Dan Pembinaan Warga Jemaat, 2(1), 123-133.
Sălăvăstru, A. C. (2017). Historical imaginary in the political literature of the French Wars of Religion: The case of François Hotman’s Francogallia. Hermeneia, 19, 27-42.