What does Religious Tolerance mean?

[Mephster]

In the world of globalization, we are well-beyond the situation of "cultural diffusion." Nowadays, its hard to remain isolated and ignorant of the existence of political/religious/sociological differences. The words "ideology" and "community" are thrown around. Social theorists of the '60's (cp. "One-Dimensional Man" -Marcuse) have gone away to be supplanted by socialism, liberal-anything-ism, and especially psychoanalytics (Lukacs-bred theorists leading to S. Zizek et al.). Lyotard, Foucault, and Habermas all seem to infuse today's thinking.

And in the religious sphere, postmodernism has also shown its face. Besides this, there is a great deal of talk about religious freedom, religious pluralism, and religious tolerance. John Caputo is read today alongside of John Hick and Gavin D'Costa. Derrida never disappears and from him we read "What Do I Love When I Love My God: Deconstruction and Radical Orthodoxy."

On one hand, 'tolerance' is proclaimed as if tolerance supercedes truth. On the other hand, 'truth' becomes all important, and the individual rights of a human person are threatened when, in someone's eyes, they have the 'wrong' truth. 'Tolerance,' indeed, seems the buzzword of the Postmodern Condition eh? And on top of this, diversity seems more important than accuracy or quality.

How should pious people (Catholics et al.) respond to religious diversity? FACT: there are many religions. Now what?

Under Islamic Law - atheism is punished by execution. "Gay Pride" in America seems to be the best bandwagon going these days. (see also: Madonna and Spears)

Is there a difference between TOLERANCE and ACCEPTANCE and RESPECT ?

How should Catholics understand and function in regard to religious diversity?

 

[Mephster]

How very curious that no one did/could respond to this thread.... but yet, in the Apologetics/debates forums, there are a plethora of Catholics speaking.

Maybe that sounds judgmental or critical, but the fact remains that unless some intelligent answer is made in response to questions of "religious pluralism/diversity," how can anyone know why/how to react in such "Apologetical" situations?

 

[Philip James]

HI Mephster,

My opinion: speak the Truth in Love. If you are persecuted for it, endure it. if you are commanded to silence: ignore it, if you are wronged, forgive them; if you are cursed, bless them...

we tolerate others by NOT persecuting, silencing, or cursing them for their beliefs. This should not stop us from (repectfully) pointing out their errors however.

Peace and Love!
PJ

 

[Rising_Suns]

HI Mephster,

My opinion: speak the Truth in Love. If you are persecuted for it, endure it. if you are commanded to silence: ignore it, if you are wronged, forgive them; if you are cursed, bless them...

we tolerate others by NOT persecuting, silencing, or cursing them for their beliefs. This should not stop us from (repectfully) pointing out their errors however.

Peace and Love!
PJ

Great reply Philip.

I second that answer.

 

[Mephster]

Should Christians learn about other religions so as to be certain about what they are refuting?

Are Christians under a moral obligation to refute other religions?

 

[Rising_Suns]

Should Christians learn about other religions so as to be certain about what they are refuting?

Yes, but not for the sole purpose of refuting other religions. Christians should learn about other religions just to see what other people believe and further cement their own beliefs. If an opportunity comes when one should point out an error of someone's ways, then we should do so in love. We should not be going around like vultures, looking for people to refute. That mentality will cause us to lose sight of the heart of Christianity.

Are Christians under a moral obligation to refute other religions?

Again, that should not be the focus. Some Christians waste away their lives trying to prove their religion is "right", while completely losing sight of Christ's teachings. Our focus should be to love each other and to follow in the footsteps of Christ. But yes, part of that does include using our minds and gaining knowledge to further the kingdom of God. Christians should not be ignorant either.

 

[Theresa]

I third your post Phillip and second yours Rising Suns.

I don't understand why "love" has to mean agreement. We cleave to our standards and we begin with a position of strength and our dealings should be tempered by love.