Religious Moderation: Strengthening Relationships In Order To Maintain Religious Harmony In Indonesia

I. Introduction

Indonesia has a pluralistic nation, namely a nation that has a variety of ethnicities, cultures and religions. This was realized by the founding fathers of this nation from the beginning, so the Indonesian nation's motto "Unity in Diversity" was chosen: diverse but united, to keep reminding us that this nation consists of various ethnicities, cultures and religions that must grow and develop, but can live side by side with each other. Later, this term developed and the term Unity in Diversity emerged, which is a concept that signifies unity between individuals who have diversity. Society that previously lived in a homogeneous manner, eventually turned into a heterogeneous society. This change can create a change in perspective, values, norms from other religions, so that it can happen, for example: someone who understands the values of their religion can understand everyone even if they are outside their religion. Often the nation is disturbed by various problems of intolerance and radicalism, and this is very vulnerable in relation to nation building. This exclusive, sectarian and selfish attitude will of course result in chaos in society. In this case, religious moderation must be taught from the start so that religious tolerance can be implemented, and later it can strengthen religious relations in order to maintain religious harmony in Indonesia.

II. Religious Moderation As A Step To Get To Know Other Religions And Love Them

Religious moderation means promoting balance in terms of moral beliefs and character as an expression of the religious attitudes of certain individuals or groups amidst the diversity and diversity of social facts that surround us. Religion certainly cannot be moderated because it has become a decree from God, but we moderate the viewpoints, attitudes and religious practices that we adhere to according to conditions and situations as long as they do not conflict with the principles of religious teachings. There are four indicators of religious moderation, namely tolerance, non-violence, acceptance of tradition, and national commitment. If these four indicators are met, religious and national life will be harmonious, peaceful and tolerant leading to strong relations between people. Every religion always tries to maintain peace, tolerance and harmony between religious communities through dialogue and inter-religious cooperation. However, especially regarding relations (dialogue) between religions, among Christians there is always a polemic between accepting or not accepting the existence of other religions.

Discussions about God and discussions about humans must be balanced, so that humans' relationship with God and humans' relationship with each other can be seen. Recognition of those outside of Christianity must be one of the guidelines, where when you get to know each other you will be able to see that people those outside our religion as people who are understood and there will be acceptance towards them. Recognition and acceptance are important parts, which must be seriously carried out by God's people who love God and love each other, and this will strengthen relations between religious communities.

III. Building an Inclusive and tolerant Attitude

Tolerance is not a "spirit of moderation" towards adherents and religiosity of other religions. Tolerance is "exercising self-control" toward those who have told themselves that their faith is not the only faith, who have said that fanaticism is a bad thing, who have said that love is the only one. Tolerance should not be confused with the "aloofness" of the rationalistic person (who holds that he can be comfortable and ultimately successful with all religions through a correct religious concept). And also tolerance should not be confused with "impartial" relativism and skepticism (which does not question the truth and untruth in religious phenomena). These views actually view religions and humans as serious problems. This is the worst kind of intolerant attitude. Relations between religion and religions must be maintained through tolerance based on the understanding that God has reconciled Himself with godless people (along with their religion) through grace, such as the patience (self-control) shown by Christ. This type of tolerance, can only be possible by those who are ready to humble themselves together with humans, with each individual, knowing that they first and their religion, require tolerance, a firm and patient tolerance.

IV. Conclusion

To build and strengthen relations between people, it is necessary to create understanding and acceptance for all people in diversity. Religious moderation can be used as a cultural strategy to maintain an Indonesia that is peaceful, tolerant and respectful of religion. Religious Moderation is a way of living in harmony, loving each other, respecting each other, caring for and tolerant without having to cause conflict because of existing differences. By strengthening religious moderation, it is hoped that religious communities can position themselves appropriately in a multi-religious society, so that this happens social harmonization and balance of social life.

Religious moderation will lead us to be moderate in viewing those outside our religion. However, being moderate does not mean being weak in religion. Being moderate does not mean tending to be open and towards freedom. It is wrong to assume that someone who is moderate in religion means they do not have militancy, are not serious, or are not sincere in practicing the teachings of their religion. Because of the importance of moderate religion for religious communities, as well as spreading this movement. Don't let Indonesia become a land full of hostility, hatred and conflict. Harmony both within religious communities and between religious communities is the basic capital for this nation to be conducive and advanced and this will strengthen and strengthen religious relations in order to maintain religious harmony in Indonesia, and for us, especially the young people of the millennial generation, must be able to do this from an early age, because Apart from having a large population, young people are also the successors of the nation and state and will continue this to the next generation.