Religious Diversity (SumBlog 3)

Religious diversity can lead to controversy in the United States of America. Religious diversity is the belief that one can overcome religious differences between different religions, and denominational conflicts within the same religion. For most religious traditions, religious diversity is essentially based on a non-literal view of one's religious traditions, hence allowing for respect between different traditions on core principles rather than more marginal issues. It is perhaps summarized as an attitude which rejects focus on immaterial differences, and instead gives respect to those beliefs held in common. However, the existence of religious diversity depends greatly on religious freedom; where some other denominations or religions are prohibited in some areas.

First off, what is religion? As we learned in class, religion is a social institution involving beliefs and practices based on the sacred (Berger). Just because someone is part of a religion also does not mean they have a high level of religiosity.  Religiosity can be complicated. This can be how someone is affected by the religion and how it influences their behavior. Some examples of this could be how often they practice their religion or how much of their religion they believe. The three “B’s” of religiosity are belonging, believing, and behavior. This means that an individual’s level of religiosity greatly depend on how much they feel like they belong in that religion, how much of the particular religion they believe or simply what they believe, and their behavior towards the religion. Behavior towards the religion could include how they feel about it and how much they practice it.

When someone has these views based on religion, it can cause controversy. Examples of this include whether or not people should consider the United States of America a Christian nation, whether or not people should be able to incorporate their religion in public facilities, or even whether people should say “Merry Christmas.” Religion is and has been a very important part of our society.