Moon and Stars Among a Thousand Temples: A Study of Religious Moderation on the Island of the Gods

Abstract

This study covers the topic of religious moderation in Bali, a place where Hindus make up the majority and where minorities, mostly Muslims, coexist peacefully. Studying religious moderates and their practices—such as tolerance, respect for local customs and culture, rejection of violence, and national commitment—is the primary goal of this research. Interviews, participant observation, and document analysis are all parts of the descriptive qualitative research methodology. According to the findings, Bali's religious leaders see religious moderation as a compromise between two competing ideologies, with the former placing an emphasis on intolerance and the latter on justice and equilibrium. Involvement of ecumenical religious figures in social events, tolerance for other religions' ceremonies, and collaboration in maintaining societal peace are all manifestations of religious moderation in Bali. According to these findings, religious moderation is an effective tool in the fight against extremism and for the preservation of national unity.