The Three Types of Misrepresentation of the (Intra) Religious Other

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam

4 November 2025

In our increasingly pluralistic world, the interplay between religions is more complex than ever. As individuals and communities engage in interreligious dialogue and hermeneutics, they often encounter varying degrees of misrepresentation regarding the beliefs and practices of others. Professor Catherine Cornille  in her work Meaning and Method in Comparative Theology(2018) categorizes these misrepresentations into three distinct types: innocent, negligent, and fraudulent. Understanding these types is crucial for fostering genuine interreligious dialogue and promoting mutual respect.

Innocent Misrepresentation

Innocent misrepresentation is perhaps the most benign of the three types, arising from the inherent challenges of comprehending another religion’s internal diversity and complexity. Each religion embodies a kaleidoscope of beliefs, practices, and interpretations that can be difficult to encapsulate accurately. This complexity often leads to simplified representations that inadvertently fail to capture the full essence of a faith.

For example, consider the portrayal of Buddhism in Western contexts. Frequently, Buddhism is presented as a monolithic tradition centered around meditation and mindfulness. While these aspects are indeed significant, such representations often overlook the rich diversity within Buddhism, including its various schools (like Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana), cultural expressions, and philosophical debates. Innocent misrepresentation arises here not from malice, but from a genuine struggle to convey the nuances of a multifaceted tradition.

Moreover, this type of misrepresentation can also manifest when individuals attempt to draw parallels between their own faith and another. While such comparisons can foster understanding, they can also lead to oversimplified conclusions that fail to honor the unique characteristics of each religion. The challenge lies in recognizing that every faith is a living tradition with its own historical and cultural context, and that any representation must strive for nuance and depth.

Negligent Misrepresentation

Negligent misrepresentation is more problematic as it stems from a willful omission of significant elements of a religion, often in an attempt to reinforce one's own ideological commitments. This type of misrepresentation can be particularly harmful as it distorts the image of the religious other, either positively or negatively, depending on the agenda of the individual or group involved.

For instance, when discussing Islam, some proponents of a particular narrative may focus solely on the religion's historical conflicts or perceived issues, neglecting the rich cultural, philosophical, and spiritual contributions of Muslims throughout history. Conversely, others may present an idealized version of Islam, emphasizing its teachings of peace and tolerance while downplaying instances of extremism or internal conflict. Both approaches illustrate negligent misrepresentation, as they selectively highlight aspects that fit a preconceived narrative, ultimately failing to provide a balanced understanding.

This selective representation often serves to bolster one’s own religious identity by contrasting it against an incomplete or skewed image of another faith. By emphasizing the perceived deficiencies or idealized qualities of the other religion, individuals may inadvertently reinforce prejudices and stereotypes, making genuine dialogue and understanding more difficult.

Fraudulent Misrepresentation

At the most extreme end of the spectrum lies fraudulent misrepresentation, characterized by deliberate distortion of a religion’s history, teachings, or practices. This type of misrepresentation is often motivated by a desire to undermine the credibility of the religious other, to reinforce one’s own image, or to discourage interest in that tradition. It is a calculated act that can have severe consequences, exacerbating tensions and fostering animosity between religious communities.

For example, throughout history, various groups have engaged in fraudulent misrepresentation of Judaism, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes and myths that demonize Jewish practices and beliefs. Such distortions serve to alienate and marginalize Jewish communities, fostering an environment of intolerance and hostility. Similarly, instances of fraudulent misrepresentation can be observed in the portrayal of Christianity, where extremist narratives may distort the teachings of Jesus to justify violence or discrimination.

The implications of fraudulent misrepresentation extend beyond mere misunderstanding; they can lead to real-world consequences, including violence, discrimination, and social fragmentation. By deliberately misrepresenting the beliefs and practices of the religious other, individuals and groups contribute to an environment of hatred and division, undermining the possibility of constructive dialogue and coexistence.

Implications for Interreligious Dialogue

Understanding these three types of misrepresentation is vital for anyone engaged in interreligious dialogue. Innocent misrepresentation, while well-intentioned, calls for humility and a willingness to learn. Participants in dialogue must approach discussions with an openness to the complexity of each tradition, recognizing that their interpretations are limited by their own cultural and historical contexts.

Negligent misrepresentation demands a critical examination of one’s own biases and the narratives that shape perceptions of the other. Engaging with the full spectrum of a religion’s beliefs and practices requires a commitment to seeking out diverse perspectives and avoiding the temptation to cherry-pick information that supports a particular agenda. This means actively listening to voices from within the tradition being discussed, rather than relying solely on external interpretations.

Finally, combating fraudulent misrepresentation necessitates a collective effort to challenge harmful narratives and stereotypes. Religious leaders, educators, and community members must work together to promote accurate representations of each faith, dispelling myths and addressing misconceptions. This involves not only clarifying the teachings and practices of one’s own tradition but also advocating for the dignity and respect of others.

The Path Forward

To move beyond these misrepresentations and foster genuine interreligious understanding, individuals must commit to a few key practices:

1. Education and Awareness: Cultivating religious literacy is essential. Educational initiatives that promote understanding of diverse faith traditions can mitigate the risks of misrepresentation and foster empathy.
2. Active Listening: Engaging in active listening during interreligious dialogues allows individuals to appreciate the complexity of other religions, helping to counteract the tendencies toward misrepresentation.
3. Collaborative Initiatives: Creating platforms for collaborative projects that involve multiple faith communities can help build relationships based on trust and respect. These initiatives can highlight shared values while honoring differences.
4. Critical Reflection: Regular introspection about one’s beliefs and biases is crucial. By acknowledging personal prejudices and assumptions, individuals can approach interreligious dialogue with greater openness and humility.
5. Advocacy for Accurate Representation: Religious leaders and scholars must be proactive in addressing and correcting fraudulent representations in public discourse. This advocacy can help create a more informed and respectful dialogue within society.

Conclusion

Misrepresentation of the religious other—whether innocent, negligent, or fraudulent—poses significant challenges to interreligious dialogue and understanding. By recognizing and addressing these misrepresentations, we can pave the way for more meaningful conversations that honour the complexity and richness of each faith tradition. In a world where religious identities are often sources of division, fostering genuine understanding and respect through interreligious dialogue is not just desirable; it is essential for a peaceful, pluralistic society.

Ultimately, the journey toward interreligious understanding is ongoing, requiring commitment, patience, and openness. By striving to engage with the religious other authentically and respectfully, we can work together to build a more harmonious world.

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Adis Duderija is an Associate Professor in Islam and Society and Griffith University and a book series editor of a new book series on Islam and Process-Relational Thought (Routledge).

 

URL:    https://newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/types-misrepresentation-intra-religious-other/d/137516

 

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