Tolerance

We need a view of tolerance that is more robust than an indiscriminate acceptance of other views. Any kind of fundamentalism, be it Christian, Muslim, Jewish or secular is simply not acceptable. Fundamentalism denies the preconditions of reason and communication and therefore does not qualify for tolerant acceptance.

Having drawn a line around what tolerance does not permit, we can be clearer about what tolerance means.

  • tolerance is neither indulgence nor a vague acceptance of any and all views. Rather, it defines our relationship to those other citizens who have strong beliefs that we feel are false or unacceptable
  • thus tolerance is something we show towards those with whom we disagree. On condition that such disagreement is based on good reasons
  • for people with prejudice their disagreement is not based on cogent argument and is therefore not worthy of being tolerated
  • to deny the value of religion not only for oneself, but also for the religious person, is to be intolerant. Secular people should be encouraged to move beyond the simplistic position of denying and dismissing religious views
  • intolerance of the intolerant does not relieve us of the duty to attempt to understand how people adopt such views.  And, when circumstances permit, we should  assist them in the personal struggle to abandon such intolerance

For more please see my article on Tolerance.


Tolerance