Religious Pluralism in the United

Religious Pluralism in the United States common view of the meaning of religious pluralism refers to the peaceful coexistence of different religions and religious groupings in a country. This also refers to the view that no one single religious viewpoint or ideology is seen as the sole arbitrator of religious truth. This of course also refers to the cardinal aspect of religious tolerance.

In terms of these general characteristics many scholars and commentators claim that America is essentially a society that is characterized by religious plurality. This stance also refers to the constitution of the United States with its emphasis on individual freedom; which implies that America has always been and still is in essence a society which is in favor of religious pluralism. In a study entitled, the Constitutional Basis of Religious Pluralism in the United States: Causes and Consequences by Ted G. Jelen (2007), the author states that the provisions in the Constitution of the United States supports and enhances religious pluralism. Furthermore, that his formal acceptance of pluralism also tends to militate against any conservatism that would privilege one religion over another.

This view is also supported by other studies which emphasize the "...richness and complexity of the American religious landscape" which is astonishingly diverse..." (Religious Pluralism in the United States). This religious diversity and acceptance extends to various faiths and religions; including, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Zoroastrians and many others.

On the other hand, there are also commentators who are not as optimistic in their assessment of religious pluralism in the country, especially with reference to the history of religious freedom in the United States. This also refers to the distinction that that should be made between religious diversity and religious pluralism per se. As one study notes, religious pluralism is not the same as religious diversity in that pluralism only becomes a reality when, "...adherents of different faith traditions are free to express their beliefs in ways that uphold the peace and well-being and the 'common good' of society" (Religious Pluralism in the United States). In other words, religious acceptance is not automatic but has to be 'earned' in the context of the ideals and norms of the society. Therefore, other religions that do not conform to these normal and values of the society have not always been accepted.

Studies also assert that in the past American society has not always lived up to the ideal of religious pluralism and has not always shown the spirit of religious tolerance that is a central aspect of religious pluralism. "...religious establishment not religious freedom was the norm in colonial America. (Religious Pluralism in the United States)

An example that can be given is the influence of other cultural and religious beliefs in the country, such as the arrival of thousands of Russian Jews who fled to the United States from 1882 to 1924 to avoid persecution. This led in many case to the emergence of anti-Semitism in area of the country. (Religious Pluralism in the United States)

However, despite historical facts that tend to question the authenticity of religious freedom in the Untied States, many commentators and scholars refer to the long tradition of the acceptance of different regions and religious groupings in the United States. "American citizens span the spectrum from evangelical Christians to ardent atheists; from observant Muslims to secular and orthodox Jews. Ethnically, American citizens include Mexican-Americans, African-Americans, Puerto Rican Americans, European-Americans, Russian-Americans, and many other ethnicities" (Democracy in America Revisited-- Defining America's Current Political Identity)