THE CONCEPT OF MERCY TO PROMOTE TOLERANCE AMONG THE PLURALITY IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Indonesia is widely known for its plurality, including in religion. It is not only an asset but is also a threat. Schism is fragile to happen. It is important to nurture Indonesia’s plurality so that tolerance can be flourished. Common values and understandings have been known to be effective to promote tolerance in plurality. Several proposals have been developed by using local wisdoms and technological approaches to decrease tensions among religious groups in Indonesia. This study provided the concept of mercy in six recognized religions in Indonesia as a common value to promote tolerance. By using scientific literature in comparative study as a method, the result revealed that all religions are on the same page in defining mercy as a virtue and kindness attitude toward others, especially to the marginalized and/ or outnumbered groups of people. Islam’s theology pictures mercy as the love of a mother to her newborn baby. Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism) portrays mercy as God’s love toward the poor and ill. Mercy, in both Hinduism and Buddhism, is closely related to their goddesses who do not discriminate against one over the other beings. Lastly, Confucianism categorizes mercy as a virtue of a perfect man toward the disabled and poor. As implications, the concept of mercy has been embodied in politics and socio-culture, education, and economics for tolerance to flourish in Indonesia’s society.