All posts tagged: pluralism

Christian nationalists’ professed support for religious pluralism is often drowned out by perceptions that Christians are under threat

Christian nationalists’ professed support for religious pluralism is often drowned out by perceptions that Christians are under threat

Published by Sam Flores

(The Conversation) — Christian nationalism, a worldview that sees the United States as a Christian nation and believes that Christianity should have a privileged role in American civic life, has been shown to be related to a host of social attitudes. Research shows that people who hold Christian nationalistic beliefs tend to, on average, also show antipathy toward religious minorities and racial and ethnic minorities, as well as have sexist and anti-democratic attitudes. Our research found that many Christian nationalists endorse religious pluralism, meaning that they value religious diversity – in principle. But we also found that this support for religious pluralism is often drowned out by perceptions of threats to Christians. How we did the research For our new research, published in the academic journal Politics & Religion in March 2026, we surveyed 1,500 American Christians in January 2024. In healthy democracies, most citizens respect the civil liberties of others, including members of social groups they dislike. We asked our respondents which social group they liked the least, such as Christian fundamentalists, environmental activists, …

250 years in, Americans prefer religious diversity

250 years in, Americans prefer religious diversity

Published by Sam Flores

(RNS) — Many of our nation’s top leaders today openly pronounce their Christian faith. Some even read Scripture (or what they imply to be Scripture) during official government briefings.  But according to a new poll by the Public Religion Research Institute, 64% of Americans do not want to live in a primarily Christian nation. Instead, they prefer an America of many faiths without a Christian majority. “This is the antithesis of the Christian nationalist worldview, which essentially maintains that America was founded as a Christian nation, (and) it should remain a Christian nation,” said Melissa Deckman, CEO of PRRI. The survey, “Competing Visions of America: Politics, Religion, and American Identity,” was conducted online May 1-18 among a representative sample of 5,469 adults (age 18 and up) living in all 50 states. “Religious Pluralism or Christian Faith? By Party.” Chart courtesy PRRI In addition, 77% of Americans say they would prefer the U.S. to be a nation made up of people from all over the world, a slight decrease from 80% in March 2025. Christian nationalism …

As Union seminary president, I saw the power of religious pluralism

As Union seminary president, I saw the power of religious pluralism

Published by Sam Flores

(RNS) — Nearly every day, dozens of religiously diverse students — Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, spiritual, agnostic, atheist and beyond — walk the halls of Union Theological Seminary, the Manhattan school I’ve been proud to lead for almost two decades. They share dorms, take classes and enjoy meals together. They engage in lively discussions about theology. They organize peaceful demonstrations to advance a more just world. And they host events to celebrate their different religious traditions. As I prepare to step down from the presidency next month, I look at this community and see a blueprint for a flourishing, interreligious America. But when I turn to the headlines, I see our nation barreling toward a far more destructive vision. President Donald Trump and his far-right allies are taking a wrecking ball to the foundations of our pluralistic society and purposely sowing discord between people of different religious traditions. Ultimately, they aim to impose a narrow, exclusionary version of Christianity on the entire nation — one that views difference as a threat rather than a strength. Case …

San Diego mosque shooting shows importance of teaching pluralism

San Diego mosque shooting shows importance of teaching pluralism

Published by Sam Flores

(RNS) — This week, Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha, a sacred holiday rooted in sacrifice — the willingness to give what is most precious in service of faith and love. On May 18 at the Islamic Center of San Diego, three Muslim men embodied that devotion when they gave their lives to protect children and their community. A security guard and congregants of the mosque chose courage in the face of violence and saved many lives. But the community that calls this mosque home is grieving the loss of its members’ safety, their sanctuary and three beloved lives taken from them at the hands of two teenagers. This shooting was not just an attack on a sacred space — it was an attack on the very idea that all of us, across our differences, deserve to live in safety and dignity. As a Muslim, as a mother and as someone who has spent my life building bridges across lines of faith and identity, I felt the news like a blow to the …

Promoting Civic Friendship: The Transformative Power of Public Spaces

Promoting Civic Friendship: The Transformative Power of Public Spaces

Published by Jenni Sidey

The neighborhood in Lisbon where I spend a lot of my time is densely populated. It has undergone many changes, with new cafes and restaurants catering to youngsters as well as a significant influx of immigrants. Increased population and tourism put pressure on infrastructure, and local branches of government have been slow to respond. The bus I take is overcrowded. Garbage collection is falling behind. The local hospital is understaffed and underqualified: almost no one can address those seeking care in English. Immigrants are often met with hostility and frustration. The result is a chaotic neighborhood that feels vibrant and diverse, but also exasperating and hostile. It’s a striking contrast with the recent history of some areas surrounding this neighborhood, which were part of an innovative project: the SAAL—Serviço de Apoio Ambulatório Local, which was meant to “support, through the municipal council, initiatives by poorly housed populations to collaborate in transforming their own neighbourhoods” (my translation). When it was abruptly terminated in 1976, SAAL counted 41,665 families involved, 2,259 homes that had started to be …