Religious Dynamics and Attitude of Religious Moderation in the Carita Sejarah Lasem

Abstract

Moderate religious character in Indonesia is not just an academic concept that has developed in the contemporary era. Based on historical records such as ancient texts and manuscripts, Indonesian Muslims have applied and practiced the values of religious moderation for hundreds of years. One of the local scripts that record the dynamics of the plurality of local communities, especially in the coastal areas of Java, is the Carita Sejarah Lasem Text. This study aims to reveal the dynamics of religion and the attitude of religious moderation practiced by the coastal communities of Lasem, as stated in the Carita Sejarah Lasem Text. This research is a literature study using the content analysis method to analyze the data obtained. To explain the dynamics of religiosity and the practice of religious moderation, the researcher uses the perspective of religious moderation according to Prof. Quraish Shihab. The study concludes that there has been a dynamic spiritual practice in Lasem for hundreds of years. Although frictions between ethnic groups have occurred, the practice of community religiosity is relatively moderate. This religious life is manifested in an attitude of tolerance and egalitarianism between religious communities, accommodation of local culture, shared patriotism against colonialism, and balance in applying religious principles. Some attitudes of religious moderation cannot be separated from the competence of religious knowledge, emotional control, and prudence in the attitudes exemplified by several local religious leaders.