Abstract

The promotion of harmony and understanding in pluralistic societies today mainly takes place through the mechanism of interfaith dialogue. Globalization is increasing interaction among diverse religious and cultural groups, such that respectful and constructive engagement is needed. The purpose of this paper is to examine what role can the interfaith dialogue play in bewildering religious conflicts, promotes mutual respect and even social cohesion. It helps encouraging open discussions which will dispel the misconception, address prejudices, and promoting shared ethical values. They also make policy making, resolving conflicts and community development more inclusive and peaceful together. Interfaith dialogue is much needed in an age of multiculturalism, as it creates bridges in communities and unites society as a whole. It is different from debates, where the aim is to prove one belief system is superior to the other. Rather, interfaith dialogue highlights the value of common values, ethical principles and ends in common. These are dialogues that can happen in the form of academic debates, community activities, interfaith councils and various international summits of religious cooperation. Interfaith dialogue does not seek universal acceptance of one belief system through the obliteration of differences or conformity: it respects religious differences and acknowledges diverse theological perspectives while pursuing common ground. It gives people an opportunity to find out each other’s thoughts, traditions and practices which eventually contribute to increase in empathy and reduce prejudice. Such conversations are critical in contemporary societies where religious pluralism seems to be the rule of the day to dispel misconceptions and remove biases.