multireligiös

Multireligiös is a term used in Swedish and Norwegian to describe individuals, families, or communities that identify with and/or practice more than one religion. It can refer to personal religious identity, plural religious belonging within a household, or public life in which multiple faith traditions are acknowledged and respected.

The concept is distinct from syncretism, which involves blending beliefs into a new, unified system. Multireligiös practice often means maintaining separate religious identities and rituals side by side, or drawing from several traditions without fully merging them. It is closely related to interreligious dialogue and pluralism, which promote mutual understanding and coexistence among adherents of different faiths.

Historically, multireligiös approaches tend to emerge in plural societies shaped by migration, globalization, and secularization. They may be supported by legal protections for freedom of religion, which allow individuals to explore and participate in multiple faith communities. Education systems and interfaith initiatives sometimes reflect multireligiös realities by offering resources about diverse traditions or by organizing joint community events.

Examples include interfaith families where parents practice different religions, individuals who observe rituals from more than one tradition, and institutions that host programs or services from several faiths. Critics sometimes raise concerns about identity, social belonging, or community boundaries, while proponents point to enhanced dialogue, tolerance, and inclusive public life.

In practice, multireligiös denotes a flexible approach to faith, emphasizing coexistence, mutual respect, and the legitimate expression of multiple spiritual paths within individuals and communities.