From coexistence to cooperation : changing perspectives of the American interfaith movement

Abstract

This thesis provides one alternative to the belief that inter-religious encounters act solely as mechanisms for violence, specifically through the perspective of the American interfaith movement. Though the movement began with the concept of promoting tolerance of religious diversity, the changing landscape of American religions has led to a shift in the purpose and function of the movement. I attempt to categorize the new state of organized interfaith action in the country into three overlapping types. I evaluate how they function, and speculate on why the interfaith movement exists the way it does in America today.