Analysis of the Relationships Between the Principles of Religious Democracy and Heterodox Thinking

The quality and manner of social governance is one of the most significant issues that has been raised throughout different eras, with various viewpoints in this field. Some of these perspectives have achieved short-term or long-term practical success, while others have remained merely theoretical. The theory of religious democracy is one such viewpoint that has been proposed regarding governance and is currently being implemented in practice. One of the concerns of this theory is how to engage with divergent thinkers and critics, for which it considers principles such as human-centeredness, justice and equality, freedom of expression, and public satisfaction. In addition to articulating fundamental principles, this theory has also endeavored to uphold these principles in practice and confront divergent thinking through constitutional frameworks. Since the external manifestation of a political and governance theory is revealed in its interaction with divergent thinking, this article aims to analyze the relationships between the theory of religious democracy and divergent thinking using a descriptive and analytical method. This theory, while lacking a theoretical alternative, faces challenges in practice due to the differences between theoretical and practical realization, the lack of distinction between religion and ideology, and the necessity for rethinking the quality of freedom of expression. However, these challenges can be better addressed through the implementation of oversight, the cultivation of healthy human resources, and public cultural development.