Religious Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution In A Pluralistic Society

Abstract

This paper discusses religious approach in peace and conflict resolution in a pluralistic society. Conflict is an unavoidable phenomenon in every society. Religion is a belief system and ideology as practiced in every society. Peace on the hand does not mean absence of conflict but presence of equality and equity. Religion has an influence over peace and conflict situations, which can be for and/or against. The scope of this paper looks at religion from the palliative perspective towards achieving peaceful society and resolving conflicts, especially in a pluralistic society like Nigeria. In any society, peace is necessary for the smooth running of its spheres of activities, which can be political, economic, cultural, social etc.The paper adopts Structural Conflict Theory as a framework to analyse the role of religion in peace and conflict resolution in a pluralistic society.Methodologically, the qualitative method of data collection and analysis is adopted. The paper adopts historical and descriptive research design.