Tolerance in society and Christianity
1. Introduction
In an increasingly globalised and interconnected world, the need for tolerance as a key characteristic and value of civilized society is more important than ever. Mr. Stephen Breyer, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, accurately states that “the world may not survive if we do not speak to each other and understand each other and work with each other.” He made the remarks at a joint oral argument in a landmark case concerning free speech and religious symbols in society. A disposition of compromise, understanding and tolerance towards the expressions of others is paramount for democracy and a well-functioning society. But what is tolerance? “Tolerance is the recognition of the universal human rights and freedoms of others” as defined by the Human Rights Act 1998 of the United Kingdom. It is also “the exercise of patience, without engaging in unnecessary hostilities, in the face of those who are ill-willed or hold unpalatable views.” In today’s society, the flaring up of racial and religious prejudices, and political and social division and unrest, underscores the importance of understanding and examining the concept of tolerance and its practical application in catering for pluralism and diversity. The value of “respect and tolerance” as the key “British values” is enshrined in the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 of the United Kingdom, according to the Department for Education. By schools educating and promoting such values, the young generation can grow up embracing and cherishing tolerant beliefs, as well as seeing the society as a collection of multiple cultures and beliefs, rather than separate entities. While it is certainly valuable in understanding tolerance through a legal and political context, discussions in respect to the Christian understanding and appraisal of tolerance are an area largely overlooked or given insubstantial attention. This project thus sets out to provide an insight to the Christian understanding of tolerance and how it operates within the doctrine of the moral teaching of the Church. The predominant arguments of contemporary philosophers, theologians and legal scholars specializing in the area of tolerance within the Christian tradition will be explored and critiqued. Through employing textual analysis and engaging with intellectual viewpoint in this field, it is hoped that this study can advance our understanding of tolerance in the Christian context and shed light upon the potential positive role of religious temperament in contributing to the formulation of a well-balanced and truly tolerant society.
1.1. Definition of tolerance
According to Tolerance.org, tolerance is “a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions, beliefs, and practices that differ from one’s own.” In other words, if you have a fair and permissive attitude, you are not intolerant. Tolerance is also considered a virtue and a moral duty when it is practiced. “Tolerance involves the understanding and the exercise of our own rights and those of others, with the recognition of the liberties of others.” Tolerance, as stated in A Dictionary of Philosophy, helps ground the realization that “the exercise of human rights, together with the assumption of human responsibilities, is a necessary condition for the existence of a civilization in which people can live happy and fulfilling lives and in which peace and harmony can be promoted within a society.” Moreover, the dictionary defines tolerance as “an allowable deviation from a standard.” This means that if some practice, information, or behavior does not meet the standards, “tolerance” implies that it is nevertheless allowed or permitted. All the definitions present tolerance as a positive and a useful thing. However, the definition of “a fair permissive attitude” allows for a general understanding that tolerance is an entitlement and each individual is free to decide what is to be tolerated. Therefore, in a society, diverse cultures should be allowed to “live and let live,” which means every culture should be allowed the freedoms of enjoyment of its own practices and interests, so long as it respects other cultures’ equal rights to do the same. Such an understanding of tolerance as a moral duty, a virtue, and an entitlement for everyone in a society means that anything that is different to us cannot cause an adverse reaction of hatred and discrimination when it is seen in other people’s practices, customs, and behaviors. Tolerance is fundamental in social life as it is a way of connecting and blending ideas between people. It is a necessary condition of a civilized society. In this modern world, “social peace can only exist when citizens are at peace with their own conscious as well as with those of others.” If there is no tolerance—the feeling of one’s ability to think and act in a supple and adaptable form, social peace will be impossible. Tolerance denotes in a society where there is a mutual respect for each other’s differences and the belief in each other’s competence. The above text is excerpted with slight modifications from Tolerance.org, “Tolerance;” A Dictionary of Philosophy (Bouwsma, C.), 1964, and Slote, M., 1983, “On Being ‘Tolerant’ (and ‘Intolerant’).”
1.2. Importance of tolerance in society
There are several reasons why tolerance is a major asset in society. Firstly, it promotes social cohesion. This means that several different types of people can live alongside each other, so society can remain stable. This doesn’t mean that everybody has to get along, accept each other’s lifestyles and beliefs. Tolerance can also make us more understanding. If you have tolerance then you learn to accept people who may be doing something different. Tolerant people show a higher level of self-acceptance and social confidence. These are the people who can try a new experience because they are not afraid not to be good at it straight away. With this in mind, if everyone in a given society is tolerant, kind, and show sensitivity, all of our basic needs will be met, enabling us to achieve personal growth and self-actualisation. The society created in a place like this would be pleasant to live and progressive. The need of stability in society is also an important reason for why we tolerate. However, it is the case that for some, being asked to practice tolerance goes against what they believe. Tolerance can mean that others can carry on without fear of being persecuted for being different. This means that people can not only live in peace, but they can also work together for the betterment of each other. As a result we need to practice tolerance in all activities, and that’s why society is better for everyone. All these illustrate our society is not really tolerating. There are many people who make it difficult for others who are different – for example immigrants, who are trying to start a new life in the United Kingdom. A prime example of this was Britain First. They were an anti-immigration political group who carried out direct, decisive and strong action against what they viewed as a ‘wrong’ multicultural society. Britain First did not have tolerance for minority groups and they thought that white British Christian values should be predominantly key in our society. On the basis of their intolerance, many people were affected by the racial assault. So I think that we have become oblivious to the need for a real ‘human’ society based on criteria such as peace, equality, and self-sufficiency, self-respect for all, good quality of life and actual diversity. All groups need to be given the freedom to express respectful opinions and the rights to exercise practices in line with the idea of democracy. We need to realize that society is plural because it’s hard to create a society where each individual folding into one. Tolerance is vital in creating such areas.
2. Tolerance in Christianity
The biblical teachings on tolerance originate from the teachings of Jesus Christ. Tolerance has been prominent within Christianity as a result of Jesus’ command to his disciples to love one’s neighbour. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus extends the definition of “neighbour” to include anyone who needs help. This implies that we are expected to love and help everyone, regardless of any differences that may exist between us. Christianity teaches that we should have positive thoughts and feelings for people, regardless of their race, religion or any other differences, as we are all God’s children and created in his image. The emphasis of the New Testament is on patience and loving acceptance of others and this is particularly evident with the teachings of Paul. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul refers to his past as a blasphemer who persecuted Christians but God had mercy on him. Paul writes that “in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life”. Paul implies that it is God’s will that everyone be given the opportunity to seek the truth. This teaches Christians to encourage others to seek God’s forgiveness and to persevere in their faith journey. Moreover, he uses himself as an example of someone who received this perfect patience so this encourages everyone, irrespective of their past, to seek God’s forgiveness and to consider others’ feelings as well, therefore demonstrating tolerance. On the other hand, Old Testament teaches Christians the consequences of hatred and the benefits of love and kindness. It recognizes that there is the possibility of anger, jealousy and hatred to develop among mankind and it implies that we must rely on our consciences to guide our actions and not our desires. Moses records “for I do not endure the faithfulness, compassion and love of those who love me and keep my laws but I repay with destruction the sin of those who hate me”. This teaches that if mankind hates and has no tolerance, then God will repay with destruction. This is a clear emphasis on loving God and loving others around. It reflects the idea that we should acknowledge that everyone belongs to God and as we receive love from God, we should reflect this to the people around us, whether they know God or not. Practices of generosity, patience, forgiveness, kindness and mercy towards others illustrate and actualize the love of charity, joy and peace that we are taught in the Bible and this can bring about unity and cooperation among people of different cultures and religions. These teachings indicate that religious belief should be outwardly expressed in the form of acts and good behaviour and this is made possible with tolerance towards others who have differences and beliefs from ours.
2.1. Biblical teachings on tolerance
Intolerance could produce evil situations as exhibited in the passage talentedly described here by Olthuis, who describes how that when an overweening truth is asserted, “oppression and violence against alien understanding may find sanction in the name of this truth”. The eminent problem with a clear understanding of tolerance and the realization of the significance of other people’s practices and beliefs has been explored systematically within the Bible on countless accounts; where it is interpreted and fundamental errors in appreciation have been rectified to explain the necessity of this right, given by both God to us humans and Gods upon us.
Also, in 1 Corinthians, Paul who at first described how the gospel took root in the lives of the newly evolved Corinthians, then proceeded to clear up some problems of behavior. However, whereas some actions are clearly condemned, he explained the necessity to show tolerance to those with a weak conscience who fear the Church and the power of God. He stated that Christians should be mindful of their consciences and take care not to cause one another to fall, thus a vulnerable Christian may see another’s exercise of liberty as licensed sin. According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:29, however unnecessary the fears of weakness may be, they must be respected as the word says, “For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks?”
The New Testament is filled with teachings from Jesus and the apostles which encourage this attitude of tolerance and love: “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. And you should not let what they do destroy your own faith.” – Romans 14:1.
We could also approach religious teachings on tolerance understanding the need to extend grace to others as it is our duty to show God’s love: “Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderness and mercy. You must be humble, gentle, patient.” – Colossians 3:12.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explicitly teaches his followers to ‘tolerate no man’. This notion of tolerance can be further related to the idea of allowing people to act and think as they want without interference. However, giving later advice in the same sermon, Jesus tells his followers not to try and change people who are evil: “But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” – Matthew 5:39-42. This demonstrates the general message of his sermon – that in all situations Christians should act in a loving, humble manner and show tolerance.
Biblical teachings on tolerance are very simple – it is the willingness to accept others and respect their views where they may differ from our own. Two key passages of Christian scripture are often cited as evidence of biblical teaching about tolerance: The parable of the weeds (or tares) from Matthew 13:24-30 and Jesus’ command in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:1-5.
2.2. Historical perspective on tolerance in Christianity
The seeds of religious freedom and tolerance were initially sown in the Edict of Milan in 313 AD. This decree proclaimed tolerance for all religions throughout the Roman Empire and effectively ended the persecution of Christians. The decree paved the way for Christianity to become the dominant religion of the empire. This is an important point to consider in the history of tolerance in Christianity and it is often used to justify the promotion of tolerance in non-Christian societies by Christian groups. However, the first real articulation of religious tolerance was written by a Christian philosopher called Lactantius in 317 AD. He expressed the revolutionary idea at the time that religious belief should be based on a conviction of the mind, rather than through force. This writing infers that from the very conception of religious tolerance in a legal context in Christianity, it was inherently linked to the promotion of free will and the idea that religious belief and worship should come from an internal conviction – a personal relationship with God. Through the Middle Ages, there were relatively few contexts in which the principles of religious freedom and tolerance were respected. From the Crusades and the persecution and forceful conversion of indigenous peoples in the New World to the Spanish Inquisition and the wars of religion following the Protestant Reformation, overt and institutionalized intolerance often received the backing of the Church and other Christian authorities. It was not until the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 that a basis for general religious tolerance was formed through international law and treaty amongst European powers. The Peace of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years War and granted some measure of religious freedom to different Christian denominations depending on the principal of ‘cuius regio, eius religio’ – meaning the ruler of a land could determine the religion of the population. However, this important development in the history of religious tolerance saw it restricted to Christians and the very concept of legal protection from religious persecution was further confined to the West and the newly-formed United States. More recent key milestones in the advancement of religious tolerance include the American Constitution’s First Amendment in 1791 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, which set the foundation for the legal concept of individuals having the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion in international law. As a result, tolerance in the Christian faith has grown with the increasingly global nature of society today and the recognition of religious tolerance as a fundamental component. The development of this toleration reflects not only historical change but also the way in which the religion of Christianity is called upon to utilise its beliefs to adapt and inform the contemporary Christian community.
2.3. Contemporary challenges to tolerance in Christianity
Within the Christian faith, many contemporary challenges to tolerance come from both globalization and secularization. Because globalization has brought different cultures and faiths into closer proximity, Christians are now faced with the challenge of being more tolerant of different religions and worldviews. In many societies, secularism and the division between church and state are increasing. This poses a challenge to Christian tolerance. Christians at this day and age accept the beauty of diversity and multiplicity of existence of others. Jesus demonstrated mercy, love and compassion in his ministry by including others (Luke) and this expanded the boundaries of acceptable behaviors, including acceptances of others. And now the Christians after Jesus should follow his tolerance so no violence and oppression are implemented. This comes to think that religious freedom and political liberty allow minority groups to practice their religious without any fear and hatred within the society. However, according to the scholars, many critics suggest that the contemporary society has slowly shifted away from an industrial type of tolerance to something more like punishment. They believe that “tolerance has become the means by which white society reproduces itself through the regulation of non-white bodies and voices”. And in contemporary society, the politics of tolerance is not so simple as it appears. Intolerance of the many groups such as Asians, Muslims, and other people of color is seen to be tied up with the national identity and the rights and freedom enjoyed by the majority within the society. The context of tolerance means that with the social and political benefits of tolerating others comes obligations too. This type of “tolerance” is seen to be much like “patience” from its Latin origin ‘patior’. It implies a power of deciding as well as enduring, from above as well as below. The contemporary society, in many cases, practices “negative tolerance”. That is to say, a certain group are being tolerated but their voices and rights are suppressed by the authorities. This has led to forms of protest and unrest among society, both in local and international context.
3. Tolerance and social cohesion
Tolerance is closely linked to the concept of social cohesion, which refers to the willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper. In diverse societies in particular, social cohesion is key – without it, the risk of violence and conflict between different groups can increase. Tolerance is one of many tools that can be used to enhance social cohesion and has been the focus of a great deal of attention from government and policy makers in recent years. By developing a greater understanding of what we mean by tolerance, we can also get a better understanding of why it is important in promoting social cohesion – and what strategies we might use to help foster it. A key aspect of social cohesion is that it requires members of the community to feel that they are treated fairly and equally. Tolerating others is really only possible if people feel like they are valued members of the community, and that the rights of others do not threaten their own sense of security. The philosopher Richard Norman explains that a significant aspect of tolerance is ‘extending to others the freedom that one cares for oneself’. In other words, a secure sense of self is essential for a person to be able to believe that others should be respected and treated fairly. Conversely, if we feel like our rights or freedoms are under threat, it is likely that tolerance towards others will diminish.
3.1. Role of tolerance in promoting social harmony
By examining the differences between the historic and modern sentiments towards tolerance in the Christian faith and the extent to which societal toleration has shaped the evolution of the Christian perspective, we also come to understand the highly complex and sensitive challenges involved in attempting to improve tolerance in society.
Such debates concerning the limits and extents of tolerance, and which parties and beliefs should be subject to it, are shown most clearly in our modern challenge – that the value of toleration should be extended so as to protect and give rights to minority groups who have differing cultural practices. And it is the compatibility of these different views of toleration that poses the greatest challenge. Whether liberal or Christian, valid interpretations of tolerance suggest that difficulty lies in discerning whose conception of toleration is to be tolerated and fostered. Thus it seems that as long as tolerance remains a pluralistic value, different interpretations will always come into competition with each other.
On one reading of the development of tolerance in Christian thought, it could be seen that only now that it is in the interests of the institutional church and other religious organisations for the state to adopt a liberal approach to public religious practice, is the modern liberal view of religious tolerance as a fundamental good taken up. However, these themes overlook the way in which the relation between religion and political power within states is becoming an increasingly live and complex issue.
In contrast to the complexity of modern understandings of toleration, Christian and medieval interpretations of tolerance emphasised the importance of enduring the existence of other religious groups and outlooks and of addressing heresy with teaching and the intellectual way. For example, some strands of the medieval discussion of tolerating heresies in Christianity revolved around whether it would be wrong for the state to persecute the leaders of religious sects or to actively prevent the formation of non-orthodox groups. This shows how tolerance can be seen to include practices such as state discrimination as well as our modern understanding of the concept as something positive.
While tolerance is a fundamental aspect of social harmony, understanding what tolerance means in today’s society goes far beyond the simple definition of “respect for the views of others”. That is to say, tolerance is accepted as a fundamental value in modern society and it is common to see people arguing for greater tolerance (e.g. towards minorities). But the liberal, progressive view found in modern society is not shared by all groups; some groups see tolerance as a potential sign of moral or cultural relativism. For them, to be required to be tolerant in a modern, liberal way is perhaps to be forced into accepting a view they see as ethically mistaken or wrong.
3.2. Benefits of tolerance in diverse societies
In today’s world, various cultures and traditions are becoming more and more intertwined than ever through globalization. As a result, the importance of tolerance in promoting unity and ultimately peace among different communities has never been this important. It is the openness of societies and the mindset of the people that has fueled the economic and social progression of many nations in the world. Tolerance is the ability to accept diversity and to live and let others live. It is the act of enduring practices that are different from our own and that of looking at members of another community or communities as equals and not inferior. When individuals or groups have different opinions or beliefs and we give them the equality and the freedom to express those differences, that is tolerance. Tolerance is not only about nationalities and races; it is about respecting individual differences. It is also about recognizing the universal human rights and the fundamental freedoms of others. When we practice tolerance, it has a positive effect on the personality of individuals. When an individual is given a chance to express his or her opinion or when his or her community’s participation is encouraged, that person starts to develop not only a sense of belonging but also realizes that a critical aspect of his or her identity is respected. A positive self-esteem is built and the person gets a chance to grow. When this is the case in a society, the society is poised to make constructive and progressive steps both socially and economically. Hate is the opposite of tolerance, which has the ability or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or practices of others. When hate is present in a society, it hinders progress and tears apart the social fabric. Cultures and traditions will always differ from one another; but the key towards a successful and peaceful existence both in our communities and at a global level is the embracing of tolerance. When different cultures and traditions show tolerance for one another, there are increased possibilities of finding common grounds of understanding. This in turn helps to dispel any fear generated by stereotypes, and to generate constructive solutions to social, economic and political problems in society. For example, in a society with a substantial population of older citizens whereby a traditionally more conservative approach to living is preferred, more magnanimity needs to be shown to allow younger generations to express and to exercise their freedoms and rights in the pace at which they like. Recognition of this and the application of tolerance will better guarantee the future well-being and social health of that society.
3.3. Impacts of intolerance on social cohesion
Social well-being for everyone is undermined when any individuals or groups within society are prevented from participating in the full and equal way. Social cohesion, which is the potential for all members of a society to be included and to work together to meet their essential needs, is weakened as intolerance prevents us from taking advantage of the benefits that diversity offers. This highlights that intolerance does not just negatively affect those direct victims of discrimination, but it impacts on the whole of society, preventing the social structure and well-being from thriving.
For example, forced migration, when people are compelled to leave their homes because of persecution, means that those people are denied the ability to live peacefully in their home country. This causes social alienation as displaced persons struggle to regain stability when moving to a new place, impacting their own social well-being and reducing the overall cohesion of society. Additionally, studies show that the stress of constantly being on guard against the threat of discrimination can have damaging effects, both physically and mentally, because it puts pressure on the body’s defenses and can lead to chronic stress. A recent study on discrimination and chronic stress found that individuals from minority ethnic groups had higher blood pressure than those in the majority white ethnic group, which is associated with a greater risk of heart attacks and stroke. This suggests that the impact of discrimination on social well-being and community cohesion is not just social, but can also be physical. These health implications can place further strain on already stretched healthcare services and so intolerance presents the potential to have a knock-on effect across the wider social structure. Such consequences can then create and perpetuate further intolerance.
Intolerance can manifest in many different ways and have a significant impact on social cohesion. One of the most common forms of intolerance is discrimination. Discrimination occurs when people act on their prejudiced beliefs by excluding or harming others because of their different social identities. This can take many forms, such as hate crimes, violence, verbal abuse or even more subtle forms of discrimination like microaggressions or failing to be inclusive. No matter what form it takes, discrimination divides communities and leads to social injustice. When people are discriminated against, they are denied their right to participate fully and fairly in society.
3.4. Strategies for fostering tolerance in society
One popular method used to foster tolerance in society is diversity training. These programs are designed to educate people about the diversity of the modern world and to teach them to live in the manner of ethical acceptance. Believing in the fact that when people know each other and understand their cultures, they will appreciate and respect each other more, these kinds of training programs also have the same goals of sensitizing people to the real issues of racism and discrimination and developing in them a spirit of tolerance and unity. Another strategy is for the government to fund community initiatives which encourage social integration and, by extension, tolerance. An example of a community initiative is the building of community centers to encourage people to mix and bond, and to develop a collective responsibility for not only their own social future but the societal future of their wider community. These centers can be used to run a range of programs designed to allow people to meet and mix in a social environment, something which may not have been previously possible. The theory behind this is that by rendering places and programs with as broader appeal as possible that are designed to foster social integration and cohesion, the likelihood of tolerance being accepted and becoming a feature of society will increase. Also, governments may also consider introducing policies which promote the development of mixed communities, because when people of different ethnicities and cultures live side by side, the opportunities for racial and cultural tolerance are increased. Such policies could include limiting the extent of residential segregation or providing strong incentives for people to move to areas which already have a balanced local population. Tolerance education in schools is another strategy that is employed with the aim of fostering a new and more tolerant generation in the future. By adopting a strategy which seeks to integrate a predefined character education that includes tolerance in the curriculum, the young will receive a rounded education that embraces different ways of life and encourages an attitude of respect and understanding towards others. These types of education programs are common in both the United Kingdom and the United States, for example; the United Kingdom promotes citizenship education and social and moral responsibility and they focus on social cohesion including the tolerant attitude towards other people.
4. Tolerance and religious freedom
From what has been discussed above, it is clear that, with the development of globalization and modern social life, religions or worldviews are playing a more and more influential power in people’s lives, so the discussions about religious freedom and tolerance have become more and more heated and complicated. On the one hand, it’s very essential to boost mutual understanding and harmonious relationships among different religions and non-believers. On the other hand, religious freedom is a basic human right, it should be protected and respected, and the principle of tolerance should be valued at the same time.
As to the legal aspect, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech; or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” One similar position is adopted by The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which aims to protect religious freedom in law. However, the parliamentary debates of this act show the tension between religious freedom and the tolerance of different religions. Lord Irvine has stressed that the practice of respect and tolerance for other people’s religion is as well as important. Also, Lord Habgood argues that religions are committed to truth and it’s very difficult to develop a view of tolerance, which says all religions are always equally right, because different religions have different stakes of truth. He asserts that tolerance should not mean that one has to give up their basic belief and the aim of tolerance is to protect the belief.
Religious freedom is a fundamental aspect of a liberal democracy and the principle of tolerance, which suggests that any religion has to be provided the space to exist and that no religion should seek to work against another, in Carlson’s argument, is absolutely vital for the maintenance of social harmony. Thus, the term tolerance stresses a completely unobtrusive and neutral accepting or putting up with the existence of different religions, worldviews, and value systems, that it does not involve any supportive attitude or any particular action towards the ones that are tolerated.
4.1. Tolerance as a fundamental aspect of religious freedom
Historically, many people and groups have been denied the opportunity to have their own beliefs and have instead been required to adhere to the established belief of the larger society. Tolerance as a belief directly supports the idea of religious freedom as prescribed in the United States Constitution. The very first colonies in the New World, from 1607 in Jamestown Virginia, enacted public laws to encourage religious uniformity. This meant that the people had to belong to the accepted religion, pay taxes to the government to support it, go to a certain church, and be a legal member of the larger society. However, such legislation made some people feel unwelcome and hurt, for example, the Protestants who were persecuted after the Catholics were in power. Tolerance can be called the umbrella or shelter of religious freedom because it gives people the opportunity to accept and respect the different beliefs from others. The cooperation between different religions and cultures in the absence of persecution and/or condemnation will bring favor for peace and more democracy in society. Christians know how important it is to respect the faiths and beliefs of others. We also feel that people should be free to choose the way that they will worship. But making these rights a part of the law helps to protect us as well. Tolerance is about what is done with the law. Tolerance is also about the way that Christians should treat those who share different beliefs; it is not always the case when others believe in the things that we believe in. The Bible is full of teachings on tolerance in the sense of being misunderstood and having patience with others, even when they are quite wrong. In one of the Bible’s books, 1 Corinthians, there is a famous verse describing a teaching of Jesus that says, “So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
4.2. Balancing religious freedom and oxybridge essays pro research UK writings tolerance in pluralistic societies
Nowadays, the development of state governance policy must be based on the requirement of deepening pluralistic democratic development. Balancing religious freedom and tolerance in a pluralistic society is one of the biggest challenges for today’s constitutional designers, human rights theorists, religious freedom advocates, and those who are working on state religion and church-state issues. In this regard, as a socially and culturally diverse democracy country, the United States have committed itself to the goal of a contemporary political ideology that endorses religious pluralism and respects religious differences. Notably, the accommodation of minority religions has been of political concerns over the years in the US. Given that the religion clauses of the First Amendment to the US Constitution each require religious freedom and prohibits governmental establishment of religion, achieving a fair and justified balance between religious freedom and tolerance is an issue of both normative and practical significance. Too much tolerance may create the evils that tolerance is supposed to prevent and erase the distinctive role of religion in society, but it is also believed that too much emphasis on religious freedom may lead to hostile towards others’ belief and the fracture of the society. Here, according to Jeremy Waldron, tolerance is not an intrinsic good to society and it is not a value in itself. Society could be fall into the risk of unrest, anger, and hostility by practicing excessive degree of toleration. He argued that tolerance is a peace-preserving mechanism and its value lie in its ability to control and minimize the effects of diversity and division. He suggested that toleration can only be justified if it is underwritten by some other value. Therefore, Waldron concluded that the supposed value of tolerance lies not in the act of toleration itself but in the value of the good that is being practiced tolerantly. On the other hand, it is argued by the concept of “liberal democracy and the legitimacy of public authority in a religiously diverse society” compiled by M. McColgan that religious institutions should tolerate and recognize one another as a way of reorienting religion towards peace and social cooperation. He suggests that religious claims should instead be processed and determined in accordance with the principles of liberal democracy and social solidarity. Adopting and enacting religious freedom that would brings peace to the society. It is argued by Professor McGlinn on “religion and American political development in a comparative perspective” that the traditional solutions to how to regulate conflicts among divergent religious communities within the US society have not stood the test of time. He remarked that a new series of practical and legally-oriented issues stand out like what governance norms should prevail that respect constitutional possibility of varied community demands, especially those which are well-established and already are part of the normative system etc. Professor McGlinn commented that the historical model of negotiated pluralism which is adapted and institutionalized in American rather than a capitulatory tolerance may help to navigate such complexity.
4.3. Case studies on the intersection of tolerance and religious freedom
Religious freedom and tolerance can sometimes be at odds, as the case of Lautsi and others v Italy shows. Lautsi, being a devout Italian mother, was incensed to find that the school which her children attended was displaying a crucifix. Her argument was that the continued showing of the crucifix – it had been the case for at least twelve years – was a violation of Article 9 ECHR. Of course, Italy had its case to argue. They raised the important point that pluralism should not support intolerance, nor should it ensure the predominantly Christian heritage is ignored in a fellow Council of Europe country. The factual summary of the case would show that the application from the Lautsi family was initially upheld by the ECHR in 2009 but, upon referral by the Italian government to the Grand Chamber, the decision was reversed. The text of the judgment in early 2011 stressed that not only had it been incorrect to act as though there had been a violation here, the removal of the crucifix would have served to breach the right of freely manifesting one’s religion. It should be noted that individual states have a margin of appreciation when it comes to human rights law. This shows how tolerance and religious freedom can be difficult to reconcile, as demonstrated in the Italian crucifix case.
How can you separate religion from spirituality?
How can you separate religion from spirituality? Religion and spirituality are often conflated, but they are not the same thing. Religion is a system of beliefs, practices, rituals, and institutions that are based on a specific doctrine or creed. Spirituality is a broader concept that refers to the connection with something transcendent, sacred, or divine, […]
