Religious pluralism and its implications for church development

Abstract

Religious pluralism model holds the belief that there is virtue in every religion, just as all religions are good and are of equal value. It does not consider religion’s particularity but is interested in the ideas that have not favoured any religion. The issue with this concept is not its assertion of the validity of all religions. It is rather with its denial of the finality of any religion as the way by which people could come to God. Hence, it allows the existence of multiple religions in a given society and encourages religious tolerance. The beauty of pluralism is its flexibility which makes religious practicing a wilful act and religious conversion a choice and not a force, although it has the tendency to encourage syncretism. This research examines critically the implications of pluralism using historical approach on the development of Christian church. Data for the research were basically obtained from secondary sources. The findings reveal that although religious pluralism has its negative sides, it gives the much needed boost to development of church if its tenets are followed. Accordingly, the article recommends that Christian churches in pluralist societies such as Nigeria should imbibe the virtues of religious tolerance, and dialogue, if they want to remain alive and continue to be relevant.Contribution: Religious pluralism is a panacea to inordinate and incessant religious conflict, if given its proper place in Nigeria, will breed religious tolerance, peace and progress. This work would be of immense of benefit to government, missionaries and students across all strata of discipline.

Muslim and Buddhist Encounters: Between Conflict and Harmony

“…While the Islamic view itself justified as intolerant (Asadu et al 2020) and barbaric action as a jihad against the infidels who refuse to follow Islam, obviously against the true teachings of Islam, therefore some Islamic scholars are also contesting the authenticity of this argument (Jalal 2008), because in the early stages of the Muslim-Buddhist encounter perceived more tolerance. Therefore, Abu Rayhān al-Biruni (d. 1048) an influential Khurasan figure who stood fearlessly against their frightful dogma justified by the Buddhist persecution by the fanatical rulers.…”

Baileo as a peace model for Christian and Muslim communities in Maluku

“…According to them, Nigerians can create peace by recognising the existence of diversity amongst them. It is the panacea for them (Asadu et al 2020). Some investigated peace in a certain province and district of Indonesia.…”

The realising of religion moderation in Tareqa Al-Yusriyyah As-Siddiqiyyah Ash-Shadhiliyyah

“…This study employed a literary methodology along with philological discipline-specific analytical tools (Hernawan et al 2021). A historical perspective was used by Asadu, Asogwa and Diara (2020) to explore religious moderation, with the study's main objective being to criticise how it had affected the church. They came to the conclusion that there were drawbacks to religious moderation in pluralistic societies.…”

“…They came to the conclusion that there were drawbacks to religious moderation in pluralistic societies. They advocated religious tolerance still in order to lead a meaningful life in a diverse community (Asadu et al 2020). Furthermore, Ahmad et al (2021) looked at how Indonesian Sufis, particularly Tareqa Naqsabandiyah Qadiriyah, responded to extremist organisations there.…”