Exploring Religious Diversity and Covenantal Pluralism in Asia: Volume I, East & Southeast Asia

This book explores the growing diversity of religions and worldviews across East & Southeast Asia, and the factors affecting prospects for covenantal pluralism. It argues that religious difference is not consistently associated with socio-political problems, and that covenantal pluralism can provide a framework for respectful multi-faith engagement and peaceful debate.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 26 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the ever-expanding tapestry of religions and worldviews across East and Southeast Asia, shedding light on the factors shaping the prospects for covenantal pluralism in these regions. As per the Pew Religious Diversity Index, Asia boasts half of the world's most religiously diverse countries, highlighting the profound depth of religious and worldview differences present in this part of the world. While some perceive this diversity as a potential threat to socio-political cohesion or even a catalyst for violent conflict, it is important to note that the relationship between religious difference and socio-political challenges is not a straightforward one. In Asia, as in other regions, religious diversity can coexist with social harmony and peaceful coexistence.

While religious difference may contribute to certain social challenges, there are numerous instances of respectful multi-faith engagement, practical collaboration, and peaceful debates. The outcome of whether religious or worldview diversity contributes to a positive pluralism hinges on a intricate web of legal and cultural factors. This book embarks on a pioneering exploration of the possibilities for this robust and non-relativistic form of pluralism in East and Southeast Asia. Volume I serves as a groundbreaking introduction to this topic, while Volume II will focus on South and Central Asia. The chapters within these volumes originally appeared as research articles in a series on covenantal pluralism published by The Review of Faith & International Affairs.

Weight: 603g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032344348