Challenges and Opportunities for Co-Existence: A Sri Lankan Christian Perspective

Abstract

God has revealed himself in many different ways and this has given rise to various religious traditions. The principal function of religion is to be a link (re+ligare) with God. However, in the history of the world, the religions have deviated from this noble purpose. The present world order with its conflicts, violence, injustice, discrimination, anti-life concepts and unjust practices raises the fundamental question: “Are the religions contributing to human wellbeing and harmony or have they given rise to various forms of extremism and violence that will eventually destroy the world?” Sri Lanka, a small island-nation, contains four religious traditions existing side by side and, therefore, provides an opportunity to explore how interfaith dialogue and collaboration can contribute to the harmonious coexistence of a multi- religious society. This article discusses the ground reality of religious plurality in Sri Lanka and concludes that religious plurality can provide an opportunity for coexistence among religious traditions.