Alex Platt

RELS 2400

Introduction

Religious diversity is a complicated subject, with a lot of angles to

consider when contemplating the value of it in society. I hope to address
some of these angles, and how it pertains particularly to myself, as well as
our country. What affects does religious diversity have on our everyday life?
How can each of us be more respectful toward each other regarding one
anothers religion, no matter how different it might be from our own? I would
also like to discuss some of the ways we might come into contact with people
of other religions, particularly minority religions.

First, I think it important to define religion. We need be able to

distinguish religion from something that is not religion. In my opinion, we
need to have at least two ways to define religion. One of these ways needs
to be able to function in court. In order to be fair, it needs to be consistent.
We had the opportunity at the beginning of this course to read an article
written by Eduardo Pealver, in which he came up with three criteria that
1
must be met in order to be granted religious status. While a methodology of
this kind might be a great thing to use in a court of law, it feels impractical
for people to have to apply it in everyday life, and therefore I believe we
need a second way to define it. For this definition, I would like to turn to Jim
Stones definition A religion is a system of practices meant to place us in a
relation-of-value to a supermundane reality so grand that it can figure
centrally in the satisfaction of substantial human needs. It isn't essential to
1
First, my proposal seeks to identify religions and not some broader category of belief
systems. By mimicking the way in which we apply our existing family resemblance concepts
to new situations, the proposed methodology closely adheres to our use of the term
"religion" in everyday language. Second, the use of negative guidelines, as opposed to
positive essences, leaves ample room for the methodology to expand in the future as our
use of the word "religion" in everyday language changes. Finally, the combination of the
negative guidelines and the requirement that judges consider both western and nonwestem
religions from theistic, nontheistic, and pantheistic traditions considerably reduces the risk
of a pro-western bias in the determination of religious status (Penalver, 1998)
religion, however, that the practices themselves can do us much good
(Stone).

Encountering Minority Religions

Every day we encounter people of different religious backgrounds than

our own. Some of these religions may be very similar to our own, and some
may be very different. I had an experience a few years ago where I worked a
lot with a man who is a Jehovahs witness. In many ways, our religions are
similar, but there were still many differences, but we shared a respect for
one another regardless. One day, in late December, just after the holiday
break, I ignorantly asked how his Christmas break was. He was very kind,
and knew that I meant to ask how his days off were, but it was an experience
that I have remembered because while I dont think I offended him, it is
something that could bother, or offend someone else. For this reason, I think
each of us has a responsibility to be aware of these religious minorities to the
best of our abilities.

Effect of Religion

Since before the founding of our country, religion has helped to shape
our culture. With the writing and signing of our constitution religion was
forever going to be a part of our country and culture. This law exclaiming the
free exercise of religion has, over time, allowed America to become a very
religiously diverse country. Despite, or perhaps due to the rising reports of
violence and misconduct toward specific religions, and particularly toward
minority religions, I believe the country as a whole is becoming more
respectful toward all religions. I dont know that there will ever be a time that
we dont judge or hate based on religion, but I do believe that things are
changing. I also believe that this rise in religious diversity has caused
religions to work together more toward common goals. In the past few
weeks, I have heard many local stories of the LDS church working with
minority religions in our area to provide service to the poor and those in
need. Without diversity, I dont know that these partnerships would have
formed.

Religious Pluralism

Robert Wuthnow, like myself, is a very strong supporter of religious

pluralism, but I think we disagree on what it means to be pluralistic. He
seems to make it very clear that one cannot be exclusive Christian, and
pluralistic at the same time. It seems to me that in his book America and the
Challenges of Religious Diversity he would have no religions with exclusivist
views, which I believe to be in opposition to what pluralism really is. But as I
stated earlier, I firmly believe it is the responsibility of each of us to be aware
of religious differences, and respect those differences. I also believe that it is
each of our responsibility to try not to take offense when offense is not
meant. The best way I have found to avoid not taking offense when offense
is not meant is to communicate; asking what do you mean by that can help
me better understand what others are trying to say, and if it is inherently
offensive, I try to let them know that it is not okay. To me, this is pluralism,
and a goal that everyone should have no matter their religious belief.
Therefore, I think that to dislike any exclusivist Christian faith and use
pluralism as the excuse would be hypocrisy.

Conclusion

I believe that it is paramount to be respectful and accepting of persons

of all religious beliefs and backgrounds. It seems to me that this is not a
belief that I hold alone, but that many people around the country are starting
to believe the same way. If we can achieve this goal of respect and
acceptance toward all, we will be able to build stronger interpersonal
relationships with others, as well as see our communities and country
achieve the greatness that we all hope it to.
Bibliography
Penalver, E. (1998). A Concept of Religion.
Stone, J. (n.d.). A Theory of Religion Revised.