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Religious Pluralism

Religious pluralism is a belief that one can overcome religious differences between different religions and conflicts within the same religion. For most religious traditions religious pluralism is based on non literal view of one's religious traditions allowing for respect to be followed between different traditions on core principals rather than on marginal issues. It is an attitude which rejects focus on immaterial differences and instead gives respect to those beliefs held in common.

The existence of religious pluralism depends on the existence of freedom of religion which is when different religions of a particular region possess the same rights of worship and public expression. Freedom of religion is weakened when one religion is given rights or privileges and denied to others. Religious freedom did not exist in communist countries where the state restricted or prevented the public expression of religious belief and even persecuted the individual religions. In some Middle Eastern countries where they adhere to one particular religion the pluralism is rather restricted if not overtly curbed.

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