Canada, often celebrated as a mosaic of cultures and faiths, stands as a testament to the principles of religious diversity and multiculturalism. In this context, Clyde R. Forsberg Jr.’s book, “Divine Rite of Kings: Land, Race, Same Sex, and Empire in Mormonism and the Esoteric Tradition,” offers valuable insights into the complexities of faith and esotericism within a specific religious tradition, Mormonism. However, the distinct Canadian religious and cultural landscape, characterized by its diversity and historical development, presents a unique context that diverges from the predominantly Christian and Mormon focus of Forsberg’s work. This essay explores the implications of Forsberg’s book for Canada and how its themes find resonance in the country’s rich tapestry of religious traditions and multiculturalism.

Religious Diversity and Multiculturalism in Canada
Canada’s religious landscape is a vibrant tapestry of beliefs, traditions, and faiths that reflect the multicultural fabric of the nation. Within its borders, one encounters a rich array of religious traditions, including various Christian denominations, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, indigenous spiritual practices, and an ever-growing spectrum of belief systems. Unlike the predominantly Christian and Mormon context examined in Forsberg’s book, Canada’s religious diversity encompasses a multitude of traditions and faith communities. This diversity is not limited to faith alone but extends to cultural practices, languages, and social customs.

The themes of race, sexuality, and empire, which Forsberg delves into through the lens of Mormonism, are undoubtedly relevant topics in Canada. However, these issues are typically approached within the broader framework of multiculturalism and human rights. In Canada, the discourse surrounding race and sexuality often transcends specific religious contexts and is governed by a commitment to inclusivity, tolerance, and the protection of human rights. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act, for example, enshrines the principles of equality and respect for diversity, promoting the idea that all individuals, regardless of their religious or cultural background, should have the opportunity to fully participate in Canadian society.

Historical Development and Religious Dynamics
The historical development of religious communities in Canada diverges significantly from the unique trajectory of Mormonism in the United States, as explored in Forsberg’s book. Canadian religious history is marked by the interplay of indigenous spiritual practices, European Christian traditions, and the contributions of diverse immigrant religious communities. Unlike the specific theological and cultural factors that have influenced Mormonism in the United States, Canada’s religious history is shaped by the coexistence and interaction of various religious traditions. These traditions have contributed to Canada’s multicultural identity, enriching the nation’s tapestry of beliefs and practices.

While Forsberg’s work provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of faith and esotericism within a specific religious tradition, researchers in Canada interested in exploring similar themes often draw from a broader field of religious studies, multiculturalism, and human rights. Canada’s religious and cultural context invites scholars to engage with the multifaceted and pluralistic nature of its religious landscape, where interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and social cohesion are celebrated. In this context, the study of race, sexuality, and empire transcends the boundaries of individual religious traditions and becomes a shared societal endeavor.

Conclusion
Clyde R. Forsberg Jr.’s exploration of the intersections of faith and esotericism within Mormonism, as presented in “Divine Rite of Kings,” offers valuable scholarly contributions. However, its direct applicability to Canada is limited by the country’s unique religious diversity, multiculturalism, and distinct historical and religious dynamics. Canada stands as a testament to the principles of religious pluralism and multiculturalism, where the study of sensitive issues such as race and sexuality is approached within a broader context of human rights and social inclusion. In this rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions, Canada continues to embrace the principles of inclusivity and tolerance, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their religious or cultural background, have a place in the nation’s multicultural mosaic.

Writers: Avesta Farhad and Dr. Muhammad Asim