ABSTRACT
The main objective of this study was to develop a conceptual framework of interreligious relations. More specifically the aim was to construct an alternative framework for understanding the evolution of the relative harmonious relations between religious groups in Caribbean societies by analyzing responses of subordinate groups to Christian dominance. A new framework is necessary as standard approaches with a socio-psychological (such as the Social Identity and Social Identity Development theories) and theological nature (for instance interreligious dialogue and religious pluralism) cannot adequately explain the relative harmonious interreligious relations in Caribbean societies. The respective socio-psychological theories emphasize the “distance” between groups by addressing the tendency of people to see the own group as more positive than others. The problem with ‘theological’ theories is that they implicitly depart from the view that religious homogeneity is required for religious harmony. There is a focus on common values as a condition to connect groups with each other, while we need a framework that goes beyond the need of commonalities to build harmonious and resilient societies.
