Constructing Narratives of Interreligious Dialogue in Religious Podcasts on YouTube: A Comparative Narrative Analysis of Dondy Tan’s Channel (Indonesia) and Atheist Muslim Discussions on Babala TV (Türkiye)

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the narrative construction of interreligious dialogue in religious podcasts on YouTube by comparing Dondy Tan’s channel in Indonesia with an atheist Muslim discussion featuring Kerim Güç on Babala TV in Turkey. It specifically explores how narrative coherence, narrative fidelity, and cultural contexts shape religious communication in digital spaces.

Methodology: This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach using narrative analysis based on Walter Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm Theory. The primary data comprise three selected videos from Dondy Tan’s YouTube channel and one discussion from Babala TV. The analysis focuses on characterological coherence, structural coherence, narrative fidelity, and narrative typologies through systematic examination of verbal interactions, rhetorical strategies, and religious discourse.

Findings: The findings identify three narrative typologies in Dondy Tan’s content: confrontational apologetics, inclusive apologetics, and textual confrontation combined with interpersonal inclusivity. Narrative coherence is established through theological knowledge, scriptural evidence, and adaptive rhetorical strategies, while narrative fidelity emerges through appeals to scriptural authenticity, universal divine justice, rational faith, and religious inclusivity. In contrast, Kerim Güç employs a more reflective, Sufi-oriented, and hermeneutical approach that emphasizes shared human values and empathetic engagement. These differences demonstrate how cultural contexts and audience characteristics influence the construction of digital religious narratives.

Practical Implications: Practically, this study provides insights for Islamic preachers, religious content creators, digital media practitioners, and interfaith dialogue facilitators in developing effective and responsible religious communication strategies. The findings highlight the importance of combining theological competence, narrative consistency, contextual sensitivity, and interpersonal empathy to facilitate constructive engagement across religious and ideological differences.

Social Implications: Socially, this study demonstrates that religious podcasts can function as important public spaces for negotiating religious identities, beliefs, and differences. While confrontational narratives may reinforce religious boundaries and polarization, inclusive and empathetic approaches offer opportunities to promote mutual understanding, religious literacy, and respectful dialogue within increasingly diverse digital communities.

Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in its comparative application of Walter Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm Theory to digital interreligious dialogue in Indonesia and Turkey. By integrating characterological coherence, structural coherence, narrative fidelity, and narrative typologies within a cross-cultural framework, the study extends the understanding of how religious authority, theological persuasion, and audience values interact in shaping contemporary digital religious discourse.