Religious Pluralism and Civil Society

This volume, Religious Pluralism and Civil Society, addresses the complexities of faith diversity in America, exploring how different communities navigate their identities and coexist.

The concept of 'religious outsiders' has long been recognized, particularly from the perspective of Euro-American Christians. However, the increasing religious diversity in the United States has brought this issue to the forefront, highlighting both visibility and tension among various faith communities. As groups such as Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs become more established, evangelical and fundamentalist Christians are engaged in a battle for the nation's religious identity. This dynamic landscape raises critical questions about the future of religious pluralism in America.

In Religious Pluralism and Civil Society, the authors explore whether Americans can genuinely embrace a pluralistic society that reflects a multitude of faiths within the nation's civil religious framework. Can the American identity evolve to encompass a 'multireligious nation' rather than being predominantly Christian or Judeo-Christian? The book also examines the intersection of religious pluralism and multiculturalism, seeking to understand how these concepts can coexist and enrich each other in contemporary society.

The volume comprises insightful articles organized into four main sections. The first section, Broad Perspectives, establishes a foundational understanding of religious pluralism through historical and cultural lenses. The second section, Region and Religion, highlights how regional histories shape varying styles of pluralism. The third section focuses on Minority & Immigrant Experiences, reflecting on the challenges faced by contemporary immigrant groups. Finally, the Institutional Patterns section offers innovative approaches to fostering interfaith dialogue, making this book a crucial resource for social scientists, religious scholars, and policymakers alike.