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 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.
