The Role of Interfaith Dialogue in Promoting Social Cohesion and Conflict Management
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Britney Wilson
College:
College of Liberal Arts
Major:
Psychology
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Adara Goldberg
Abstract:
Interfaith dialogue has contributed to increasing positive interactions between people of various religious faiths. This trend is attributed to the exposure of open conversations and a general agreement to respectful coexistence. In the past, religious faiths have been contributors to violence and dissonance in a multitude of contexts. By examining the role of interfaith dialogue within these populations of people, it is possible to move forward into a society in which peacemaking is considered a necessity. Promoting respect while highlighting the aspects of different religious faiths helps to maintain a level of appreciation while also educating others on tradition. This education propels people to initiate dialogue relating to interfaith engagement to develop relations contributing to social cohesion. This group cohesiveness is essential to the growing peaceful relations between these people. Interfaith dialogue serves as an instrument to seek equity and transition into cohesive conflict management. These dialogues can be used to promote non-violent means of conflict management across the globe. Interfaith dialogue needs to be integrated within every level of society to advance social cohesion and conflict management with an overall goal to create religious tolerance.