The Ministry Of Religion The Value Of Strengthening Religious Moderation Is Mandatory To Overcome A Number Of Problems About This Nation

Secretary General of the Ministry of Religion Nizar Ali. (ANTARA/HO-Kemenag)

JAKARTA - Secretary General of the Ministry of Religion Nizar Ali stated that strengthening religious moderation is one of the solutions to the problems of diversity and nationality which are currently a challenge for the nation. "If conceptually religious moderation has been understood and implemented, God willing, it will be peaceful," said Nizar in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, September 19. Nizar said there were a number of points that became a challenge for the nation. First, the development of extreme religious methods, attitudes, and behaviors that ignore human dignity. Second, the development of subjective claims of religious interpretations. According to Nizar, not a few reject differences and claim only their opinion is correct, while others are wrong. "In fact, the colorful color of the difference in understanding should be an extraordinary wealth," he said. Third, the development of perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors that are contrary to national values. For example, the attitude of rejecting respect for the Red and White flag during the ceremony. "This problem is important to find a solution if you want to create harmonization in the community. One solution is strengthening religious moderation," he said. Strengthening religious moderation, said Nizar, basically seeks to provide an understanding of the importance of presenting the country as a fair and friendly common home for all elements of the nation. "Thus, all of them can live a religious life that is harmonious, peaceful, and prosperous," he said. Nizar said there were at least four alignments of religious and state relations. First, religion and politics. That is, making religious values a political fatus, not playing with religion for political purposes. Second, religion and public services, meaning fair implementation of public services in fulfilling civil rights without discrimination. Third, religion and law, namely emphasizing the purpose of implementing the law to fulfill the lives of many people and benefit without imposing formalization of religious law. Fourth, religion and public expression, in the sense of granting freedom of religion in public spaces according to the law corridor. "Don't then use the law as a tool to legitimize violence," said Nizar.