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How has the Brahmo Samaj contributed to interfaith dialogue?

The Brahmo Samaj advanced interfaith understanding by articulating a non-sectarian, monotheistic vision of the divine that resonated with multiple religious traditions. By affirming a formless, universal God and rejecting idol worship and excessive ritualism, it created theological common ground with other monotheistic faiths such as Christianity and Islam, while remaining rooted in the spiritual heritage of the Upanishads. This emphasis on a single, universal deity, understood as accessible to all humanity, allowed dialogue to move away from competing dogmas toward shared spiritual intuitions. In this way, the movement subtly shifted the focus from defending boundaries to exploring convergences.

A distinctive contribution lay in its openness to multiple scriptures and its comparative, rational approach to them. Leading figures such as Rammohun Roy and Keshab Chandra Sen engaged not only with Hindu texts but also with the Bible and the Quran, treating them as complementary witnesses to a common moral and spiritual truth. Brahmo congregational life often reflected this spirit, with readings and reflections that drew from diverse traditions, thereby modeling a respectful engagement with other faiths. This scriptural inclusivity demonstrated that reverence for one’s own tradition need not preclude deep appreciation of others.

Ethical universalism formed another crucial bridge for dialogue. The Brahmo Samaj consistently emphasized truthfulness, charity, social justice, and the reform of oppressive customs such as caste discrimination and gender inequality. By foregrounding these shared moral concerns rather than sectarian observances, it found common cause with progressive elements in various religious communities, including Christian missionaries and Islamic reformers. This convergence around ethical practice allowed people of different faiths to work side by side, discovering spiritual kinship through common action.

Institutionally and intellectually, the movement created spaces where such encounters could unfold. Brahmo prayer halls and meetings welcomed people from different backgrounds, and their services, lectures, and publications fostered thoughtful exchanges between Hindu society and other religious communities. Educational initiatives and participation in wider religious and philosophical discussions, including engagement with Western thinkers and missionaries, further extended these conversations beyond local confines. Through this blend of theological openness, ethical focus, and dialogical practice, the Brahmo Samaj became an early and influential laboratory for interreligious understanding in modern India.