Religious Freedom: A way to promote Inter- and Intra-faith Harmony for establishing a Just Society

Abstract

Diverse belief systems coexisting inside civilizations have the potential to enhance cultural landscapes, but it also presents difficulties that call for careful management. In order to create a just society, this research study examines the crucial role that religious freedom plays in promoting interfaith and Intra-faith cooperation. The complexity of religious variation and its capacity for harmony as well as conflict are explored in depth in this chapter. It emphasizes the significance of comprehending and appreciating the subtleties of many religious traditions by using historical and modern examples. The chapter also looks into how intra-faith dynamics are impacted by religious freedom. It emphasizes the importance of a group’s capacity to accept various interpretations and behaviours within its own ranks, maintaining harmony despite diversity. The analysis of religious freedom is conducted within the framework of international legal instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which establishes it as a fundamental human right that transcends individual sovereignty. The study also looks at the interdependence of religious liberty and the creation of a just society. It argues that religious freedom acts as a yardstick for whether or not these principles—equality, justice, and individual rights—are upheld in a community. Individuals’ freedom to practice their beliefs without fear of persecution demonstrates a commitment to justice that cuts across religious lines and manifests as a transformative force that has the power to heal divisions and strengthen societal cohesiveness. This chapter contributes to a deeper comprehension of how these principles interact to produce a world characterized by unity, equality, and respect for all by illuminating the dynamic relationship between religious freedom and the quest for a just society.