Religious Tolerance: A Tool For National Development
Oyetoro, Taiwo Rebacca
Department of Religions and Peace Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Talabi, Joseph Moyinoluwa
Department of Religions and Peace Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Religious tolerance is a vital tool for National Development. It is an essential element of a peaceful nation, where people of different religions, beliefs, and cultures can coexist peacefully without any discrimination. The concept of religious tolerance has been widely discussed and debated throughout history. The importance of accepting and respecting diverse religious beliefs and practices has become increasingly recognized in recent times. However, this paper adopts explorative method to explore the significant role of religious tolerance in promoting National development. It discusses the importance of religious tolerance, its benefits to the nation, as well as the negative consequences of religious intolerance. This study highlights the various strategies that can be used to promote religious tolerance in the society. The study shows that intolerance affects social, economic and political stability, thereby impeding development. It argues that religious tolerance can promote national integration, unity, and growth as it fosters mutual respect and understanding across diverse religious traditions. Finally, the study outlines measures including education, dialogue, and legal frameworks that can foster tolerance, cooperation and inter-religious harmony in Nigeria with the ethnography gathered from the street of Ojo Local Government area forms the basis of this study.
Keywords: Religious Tolerance, Dialogue, National Development, Intolerance.
Impact statement
“Religious Tolerance: A Tool for National Development” highlights the significant impact of religious tolerance on a nation’s development. Religious tolerance is instrumental in driving progress and prosperity by fostering unity, social cohesion, and a harmonious environment within diverse societies. The study emphasizes that embracing religious diversity and promoting respect for different faiths strengthens social bonds and encourages innovation, economic growth, and cultural enrichment. This inclusive approach unlocks the potential of all citizens, leading to a thriving environment conducive to national development. The findings of this study shed light on the indispensable role of religious tolerance in creating a cohesive society and provide valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and individuals seeking to promote inclusivity and harness the benefits of diversity for the betterment of their Nations.
About The Author
Taiwo Rebecca OYETORO holds B.A in Christian Religious Studies from Lagos State University. She is a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Religious and Peace Studies, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University, Ojo Lagos, where she assists in lecturing, researches the Social value and Interactions of Religions. Her areas of interest include: Theology, Religious Interfaith. And kin interest in Old Testament Theology with the relevance of Old Testaments studies to the contemporary times. She has acquired a great deal of experience in her academic learning, and publishing in Local and International Journals.
ORCID ID: 0009-0000-6084-0325
Joseph Moyinoluwa TALABI holds a PhD in Philosophy of Religion from Lagos State University. He is a Lecturer in the Department of Religions and Peace Studies, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, where he lectures and researches the social value of religions. His areas of interest include but are not limited to, Philosophy of Religion, Psychology, Politics, Theology, Health and Sociology of Religion (Religion and Social Institutions). He has convened a great deal of experience in his few years in academic learning, publishing in local and high-impact factor journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Some of these articles are in Q1 and Q2 Journals. Such as; Taylor and Francis, Human Vaccine & Immunotherapeutics, Oxford University, Telematics and Informatics, Asian and African Studies, and Health Promotion International. Is a member of the Editorial Team; Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies. He also reviews the Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work, Journal of Religion & Health (JORH), and World Journal of Education and Humanities.
He is also a Priest in the Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, with experience of ten years in an Ordained ministry.
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-3321-0835
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