Exploring Religious Diversity and Covenantal Pluralism in Asia: Volume II, South & Central Asia

This book explores the growing diversity of religions and worldviews across South & Central Asia, and the factors affecting prospects for covenantal pluralism. It argues for a constitutional order of religious freedom and equal treatment combined with a culture of practical religious literacy and everyday virtues of engagement across lines of religious difference. According to the Pew Religious Diversity Index, half of the world's most religiously diverse countries are in Asia, and the degree of diversity is not consistently associated with socio-political problems. Volume II offers a pioneering exploration of the prospects for this robust and non-relativistic type of pluralism in South & Central Asia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 26 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the evolving landscape of religions and worldviews across South and Central Asia, exploring the factors that shape the prospects for covenantal pluralism in these regions. Moving beyond mere calls for tolerance, the theory of covenantal pluralism advocates for a constitutional order that ensures religious freedom and equal treatment, coupled with a culture of practical religious literacy and everyday virtues of engagement across religious differences.

According to the Pew Religious Diversity Index, Asia boasts half of the world's most religiously diverse countries. While the presence of deep religious and worldview differences is often perceived as a potential threat to socio-political cohesion or even as a catalyst for violent conflict, it is important to note that the degree of diversity in Asia is not consistently associated with socio-political challenges. Indeed, there are numerous instances of respectful multi-faith engagement, practical collaboration, and peaceful debate across the continent.

Volume II, the second installment in this series, presents a pioneering exploration of the prospects for covenantal pluralism in South and Central Asia. Building upon the insights gained in Volume I, which examined East and Southeast Asia, these chapters originally appeared as research articles in a series on covenantal pluralism published by The Review of Faith & International Affairs.

The book begins by examining the historical and cultural contexts that shape the religious landscape of South and Central Asia. It explores the diverse religious traditions, such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and others, that coexist within these regions and the ways in which they interact and influence each other. The authors also examine the social, political, and economic factors that contribute to the diversity of religions and worldviews, including factors such as colonialism, migration, and globalization.

In the subsequent chapters, the book delves into the prospects for covenantal pluralism in South and Central Asia. It explores the challenges and opportunities that arise from the diverse religious landscape, including issues such as religious discrimination, interfaith conflict, and the promotion of religious tolerance and understanding. The authors propose strategies for promoting covenantal pluralism, such as building interfaith dialogue, promoting religious literacy, and fostering social cohesion through shared values and common goals.

The book also highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the diversity of religious traditions and worldviews. It emphasizes the need to avoid essentializing or caricaturing different religions and to approach them with an open mind and a willingness to learn. The authors argue that covenantal pluralism can only thrive in a society that values religious freedom, equality, and respect for human dignity.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the growing diversity of religions and worldviews across South and Central Asia. It offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the prospects for religious pluralism in the world and provides practical strategies for promoting covenantal pluralism in these regions. By recognizing and respecting the diversity of religious traditions and worldviews, we can build a more inclusive and peaceful society that celebrates the richness of our shared human experience.

Weight: 539g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032344386