Dialog Antar Agama di Pondok Pesantren: Membangun Kesadaran Pluralisme dan Toleransi Beragama

Abstract

This article will discuss the theories of Leonard Swidler and Diana Eck on interreligious dialogue, pluralism, and religious tolerance, and how these two theories can be applied in the context of an Islamic boarding school (Pondok Pesantren). Leonard Swidler's theory emphasizes the importance of interreligious dialogue as a communication process involving mutual respect, mutual learning, and mutual transformation in understanding religious beliefs. The collaborative method developed by Swidler can be used as a framework to facilitate dialogue among students in Pondok Pesantren, with the aim of expanding their understanding of other religions and building better religious tolerance. Eck's theory emphasizes the importance of religious pluralism and recognition of religious diversity. Religious pluralism involves respect for the values found in each religion and the development of an active attitude of religious tolerance. Eck's approach can help students in Pondok Pesantren see diversity as something positive, expand their insights into other religions, and strengthen interfaith relationships. In the context of Pondok Pesantren, interreligious dialogue based on Swidler and Eck's theories plays a crucial role in building awareness of pluralism and religious tolerance. Through interreligious dialogue, students can learn to appreciate religious differences, broaden their perspectives, reduce stereotypes and prejudices, and build harmony among different religious communities within the boarding school. By combining the theories of Swidler and Eck, Pondok Pesantren can become a place that promotes inclusive interreligious dialogue, builds awareness of pluralism, and encourages religious tolerance. Interreligious dialogue in Pondok Pesantren plays a significant role in shaping the younger generation to have a better understanding of other religions and to be able to practice the values of pluralism and religious tolerance in their lives.