‘Modeling Religious Pluralism’ Puts Forth An Ambitious And Timely Collection
(REVIEW) How people with different religious beliefs can coexist in ways that are equitable, productive and just is a question modern societies have increasingly had to deal with. The answers as to how this is possible — by bringing together scholars, activists, policymakers, educators and practitioners — is what a new book tries to answer.
“Modeling Religious Pluralism: Cultivating Religious Equity in Today’s World,” (Oxford University Press) edited by Simran Jeet Singh, is a timely and ambitious collection that addresses the challenges facing contemporary society.
The book moves beyond abstract discussions of tolerance to offer concrete frameworks for fostering religious pluralism across a range of social institutions. The result is a multidisciplinary work that is both intellectually rigorous as well as practically oriented.
The central premise is focused on the why and how, delving into religious pluralism being not merely the passive acceptance of diversity, but an active process of cultivating relationships and practices that enable people of different faith traditions — and even those with no religious affiliation — to flourish together.
Singh, an assistant professor of Interreligious Histories at Union Theological Seminary, and the book’s contributors argue that in an era marked by increasing religious diversity, political polarization and faith-based conflicts, pluralism must be intentionally built rather than assumed.
“We remain committed to helping build a world where all people can thrive. … Our earnest hope is that this volume is a resource for those who aspire toward religious pluralism, and that it proves fruitful — and perhaps even inspiring – to anyone and everyone who reads from it,” Singh writes in the introduction.
It’s this argument that provides the organizing framework for this volume and unifies its diverse chapters. The 219-page book is structured around several thematic sections, including religious literacy, religious freedom, hate and polarization, racial justice, media representation, workplace inclusion and philanthropy. This organization highlights the editors’ conviction that pluralism is not confined to theological dialogue, but must be embedded in the institutions that shape everyday life.
As a result, rather than presenting a single theory of pluralism, this interdisciplinary book offers multiple perspectives that collectively illustrate how pluralistic societies can be strengthened through education, public policy, cultural representation and organizational leadership.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on religious literacy. Several contributors contend that ignorance about religious traditions remains a major source of prejudice. These chapters effectively demonstrate that literacy is not merely about acquiring factual knowledge, but also about understanding how faith intersects with culture, history, identity and power.
Some sections are more compelling than others. Discussions of media and workplace culture further enhance the book’s practical relevance. Contributors examine how religious communities are represented in television, film, and journalism, highlighting the persistence of stereotypes and the consequences of inaccurate portrayals. Similarly, the workplace-focused chapters offer concrete strategies for creating environments that accommodate religious differences while promoting inclusion. These sections are particularly valuable because they translate theoretical principles into actionable recommendations for professionals, educators, and organizational leaders.
One standout section is written by journalist and filmmaker Jody Hassett Sanchez, who is also a board member at The Media Project and a Religion Unplugged contributor. In her section, Hassett Sanchez examines religious diversity and morals in American pop culture — most notably in TV and film — and the struggle to encourage “more realistic portrayals of the world’s many faiths on screen …”
In helping to promote pluralism in society, she argues that faith leaders should “encourage young believers that careers in film and TV can be a worthy vocation” — a struggle within many Christian households in the U.S.
Another notable part of the book, featuring 25 contributors, is its attention to the relationship between religion and social justice. Chapters addressing racism and the historical entanglement of religion with systems of oppression demonstrate that pluralism cannot be separated from broader struggles for equity.
These essays challenge readers to recognize that religious diversity alone does not guarantee justice. Instead, meaningful pluralism requires confronting historical inequalities and acknowledging how religious institutions have sometimes contributed to exclusion and discrimination. This critical dimension distinguishes the book from more celebratory accounts of diversity.
Despite its many strengths, the collection has some limitations. As an edited volume, the quality and depth of individual chapters can greatly vary depending on the author. Some essays provide detailed theoretical analysis, while others function as reflective or advocacy-oriented pieces. Although this diversity contributes to the book’s accessibility, readers seeking a unified theoretical framework may find the collection somewhat uneven. This is the case with all books of this nature.
Nonetheless, this does little to diminish the volume’s overall contribution. “Modeling Religious Pluralism” offers readers both a compelling vision and practical tools for cultivating religious equity in increasingly diverse societies. At a time when religious differences are frequently portrayed as sources of division, this book provides a thoughtful and hopeful alternative grounded in education, justice and, more importantly, mutual respect.
Clemente Lisi serves as executive editor at Religion Unplugged.