Exploring Religious Diversity and Covenantal Pluralism in Asia

This book examines the growing diversity of religions and worldviews across East & Southeast Asia, and the factors affecting prospects for ''covenantal pluralism'' in these regions.

According to the Pew Religious Diversity Index, half of the world¿s most religiously diverse countries are in Asia. The presence of deep religious/worldview difference is often seen as a potential threat to socio-political cohesion or even as a source of violent conflict. Yet in Asia (as elsewhere) the degree of this diversity is not consistently associated with socio-political problems. Indeed, while religious difference is implicated in some social challenges, there are also many instances of respectful multi-faith engagement, practical collaboration, and peaceful debate.

Whether or not religious/worldview difference is part of a positive pluralism depends on a complex array of legal and cultural conditions. This book explores these dynamics and contingencies in Asia, structuring the in