Religion in Education

[KenWittlief]

something I have seen growing over the last several years, many people are talking about religious tolerance, when the rest of the conversation clearly shows what they really want is religious acceptance.

There are many commonalities between religions, on the most basic level everyone teaches we should be "good".

There are also many differences. There is a real trend lately for people to try to blend all the major religions together, and call this tolerance.

On the core level, you cannot accept the teachings of different relgions, because they are different. Tolerance means "I respect your decision to follow your personal beliefs". It does not mean I agree with your beliefs or accept them as valid. In other words, I respect your freedom to make a wrong choice (from my perspective).

To me, tolerance means both sides are allowed to state their beliefs, to explain what they believe and why, and the individuals are free to choose their own path. At some point you must respect the other persons choice, and treat them with respect and dignity.

That does not mean we must pretend the differences do not exist. It means we can peacefully co-exists, even if you think the other person has made an error in their thinking.

In the end we are all individually accountable for the decisions we have made. No one is going to be held responsible because someone else chose the wrong path.