What is Pluralism?

Pluralism is an ethic for living together in a diverse society: not mere tolerance or relativism, but the real encounter of commitments.

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Rivers of Faith

The religious traditions of humankind are shown here as circles, each containing a commonly used symbol of that tradition. But this visual image of separate boundaried circles—graphically convenient as it is—is highly misleading, for every religious tradition has grown through the ages in dialogue and historical interaction with others. 

Read Rivers of Faith Essay

Landscape

The religious landscape of America is changing. In the past fifty years, new immigrants have arrived from all over the world seeking political freedom and economic prosperity. They have come with their cultural and religious traditions, their Qur’ans and Bhagavad Gitas, their rituals, prayers,  and forms of mediation, their songs, dances, and arts. They have put down roots in American soil and created community centers and sacred spaces.

Explore the Landscape Section

Boston map with religious traditions icon markers

The Case Initiative

With the dilemmas and disputes of our multi-religious society as our primary texts, the Pluralism Project integrates the case method into teaching and learning about religion. How might this participant-centered, discussion-based pedagogy change the way we teach—and how students learn? 

Read more about the Case Initiative

Spotlight

New Publications

With the Best of Intentions Book Cover

Pluralism in Practice Book Cover

Pluralism in Practice:  "A dozen thought-provoking case histories from the first two decades of the 21st century [including the] site of the “Ground Zero Mosque” firestorm of 2010, concerning a proposed Muslim interfaith center that was never built. . . . Students of leadership and religious studies will find this instructive and enlightening." —Publishers Weekly

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With the Best of Intentions:: "Presents readers with illuminating examples of when practice does not match theory. It should be required reading for scholars, educators, administrators, and community organizers engaging religiously diverse contexts, as well as leaders working toward multireligious coalition building.” —Axel M. Oaks Takacs, editor-in-chief Journal of Interreligious Studies

 

       

 

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Media

Malala screening

A vivid portrait of American religious diversity through images, videos, voices, and selected news articles

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