Meneguhkan Toleransi Dalam Masyarakat Plural Melalui Kompetensi Penyuluh Agama Dalam Pelayanan Umat

This study aims to determine the affirmation of tolerance in a plural society through the religious instructors competence in the service of the people. This paper uses a descriptive qualitative method in analyzing and presenting the results of the study. The research results show that the competence of religious instructors in serving the people towards a tolerant religious life already has appropriate perception and understanding of religious teachings and norms in building insight into plurality and multi-ethnicity. Therefore, the religions that emerged in a multicultural society were then understood by the people. Two competencies an extension worker should have are; a) accuracy in showing the root of the basic problems that exist in modern times, namely misunderstandings in understanding the nature of the world and human nature; b) accuracy in showing a way out of modern problems. They should also understand rationally and even irrationally regarding what the community is facing. With these competencies, it is possible for them to create balance and social cohesion in a multicultural society. To create a proportional attitude of religious tolerance in a multicultural society, it is necessary to cultivate a neutral attitude (epoché) in serving the people.