Religious Dialogue As A Tool For Peaceful Coexistence

 The modern world is becoming highly fragmented, less peaceful, and unsafe for both present and future generations. The world is now engulfed by an environment of tension, violence, declining values, injustice, reduced tolerance, and respect for human rights. These polarizations are big threats to the future of humans who deserve a peaceful and quality life. Today, the world faces different types of conflicts and the worst of them is terrorism which has resulted in catastrophic loss of property and human life, ultimately hindering peace between communities, nations, and religions. Historically, peaceful coexistence as a theory was developed and applied by the Soviet Union at various points during the Cold War in the context of its ostensibly Marxist–Leninist foreign policy and was adopted by Soviet-influenced 'Socialist states' that they could peacefully coexist with the capitalist. This theory achieved both its short and long-term objectives upon adoption.

The theory focuses on the ability of mankind to live harmoniously without taken into consideration the differences in ethnicity, cultural background, religion, and political affiliation. As human beings, there is a need to have a solid understanding that plurality of cultures, ethnicities, and religious diversities are part of the master plan of God in the creation of the universe and mankind, and people are bound to live together irrespective of the differences to strike the balance of nature. The life of every human being becomes more meaningful in relationship with other human beings. So we cannot but interact with each other. This is more reason for the assertion of Aristotle that human being is a social person seeking meaning in life by living together, worshipping together, marrying each other, etc. Although, there abound to be some misunderstanding which is based on the fact of our individual differences.

The differences are now informed of gaps in social, political, and civic engagement. These gaps have created opportunities for extremist groups to manipulate people into engaging in violent extremist activities. They take advantage of increased unemployment especially among youth who are economically vulnerable, out of school, idle, and socially frustrated without having any public platforms to express themselves. The violent extremist narratives come in the form of ideological messages with religious coloration which are carefully crafted to target young and impressionable minds, particularly those who are willing to join their ‘struggle’ – often misrepresented as ‘Jihad’ by some violent extremist groups. The youths end up getting radicalized in the process, and as a result, begin to harbor extreme and violent views. This has enabled the extremists to sell the rhetoric of a better life when one migrates to their turf.

However, religion is a great force that can be used for human development if properly channeled. Although, presently, instead of being an agent of unity, religious diversity has caused more division and destruction to humanity. Many lives and properties have been lost in the name of religion in the hand of the extremists. Africa in general, and Nigeria in particular has experienced series of religious crises which has destabilized the government, economy, and peaceful coexistence of the populace. Against this backdrop is proper religious dialogue as an answer to the incessant religious conflict that we have experienced and still experiencing. The increasing level of religious intolerance and violence in society today demands the need for a genuine religious dialogue that will lead to a deeper understanding of and relationship-building with other faiths and beliefs. Providing opportunity and safe spaces for the people to come together to build love, reduce misconceptions and develop a healthy relationship through social activities, exposure visits, interfaith dialogue, sports gathering, community service initiatives, and mentorship programs, promote peaceful coexistence and builds relationship in the community.

The interactions between the three dominant religions in Nigeria, namely: Christianity, African Traditional Religion and Islam have been largely governed by divisiveness, hatred, bigotry, and violence. The idea of religious dialogue presupposes that there is conflict and proferring solution to the conflict is another thing. Religious dialogue has to do with the discussion concerning the view of different religious parties for the sole purpose of understanding each other better. (Borrmans,1990:10). The fact of dialogue is concerned with exchanging ideas and opinions being encounter that takes place on equal grounds with confidence, frankness, and without ulterior motives (Tank, 1991:9).

Moreover, dialogue on issues and identities does not result in acceptance of another group's way of life and values, and it does not provoke assimilation. Dialogue offers a great opportunity to understand the ideas, beliefs, and positions of others, and also the basis of their identity. Accepting all people exactly as they are, regardless of who they are is the key to peaceful coexistence. There should exist an interdenominational gathering where leaders and representatives of all religious groups meet without fear of being intimidated to discuss and draw reasonable conclusions on how to end religious bigotry.

Conclusively, in the end, the community develops intellectually, socially, and politically. Such strides are imperative for the well-being of our future generations. Religious interactions and dialogues act as a tool to engage people of different faiths and cultures with the aim of building understanding, goodwill, and a sense of community service. It is important to realize that for all of us to live harmoniously and co-exist peacefully together, we need to make full use of the available mechanisms to achieve those goals. No religion is better than the other and each faith should enjoy their fundamental human right to practice their faith without intimidation. For humanity's sake, we have to heal the world and look out for one another in brotherhood.