Religious Tolerance (mine)

I wrote the other day about my tension between wanting to respect the beliefs of others, whilst not agreeing with those beliefs and not condoning the actions that arise from those beliefs (although, I'm not sure I explained it so succinctly). Today I came across ReligiousTolerance.org, which has some very well thought out ideas on this.

Specifically, religious tolerance includes:

• Accepting that followers of various religions consider their own beliefs to be true. Allowing others to hold religious beliefs that are different from yours. Allowing others to practice their religious faith, within reasonable limits.* Refusing to discriminate in employment, accommodation etc. on religious grounds.

And significantly, religious tolerance does not include

• Believing that all sets of religious beliefs are equally true. Believing that all faiths are equally beneficial and equally harmless to society. Believing that all religious groups are equally beneficial and equally harmless to their followers.
• Refraining from criticizing religious practices of others.

I like this much better than the concept of according 'respect' with the definitional implications of having to agree. I especially like the distinction drawn between allowing others to hold beliefs that maybe harmful, while being opposed to the harmful actions that may have been motivated by those beliefs.

I guess its similar to the free speech idea of defending someone's right to say whatever they want even if you are completely opposed to what they are saying.