Promoting peace and harmony from an Abrahamic perspective

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What is Tolerance?​

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Tolerance can be defined as the ability or willingness to accept the existence of opinions, beliefs, practices, or behaviours that differ from one's own. It encompasses a broad spectrum of understanding and respect for diversity, whether it pertains to cultural, religious, racial, or ideological differences. Tolerance is not merely a passive acceptance; rather, it implies an active engagement with and acknowledgment of the value in differing perspectives. This concept is foundational to the functioning of diverse societies, where individuals coexist despite their differences, fostering an environment where dialogue and mutual respect can flourish.

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Why is Tolerance important?

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Tolerance is crucial in today's increasingly interconnected world, where globalization has brought people from diverse backgrounds into closer contact than ever before. The importance of tolerance lies in its ability to promote peace and harmony within communities. By embracing tolerance, societies can mitigate conflicts that arise from misunderstandings and prejudice, paving the way for cooperation and collaboration. Furthermore, tolerance fosters an inclusive atmosphere where all individuals feel valued and respected, which is essential for social cohesion. In educational settings, teaching tolerance prepares young people to navigate a complex world and encourages critical thinking, empathy, and emotional intelligence, skills that are vital for personal and professional success.

 

 

How can Tolerance help us?

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Tolerance can significantly enhance our personal lives by enriching our experiences and broadening our perspectives. When we practice tolerance, we open ourselves up to learning from others, gaining insights that we may not have encountered within our own cultural or social circles. This can lead to deeper relationships as we cultivate empathy and understanding for those who are different from us. Additionally, tolerance can improve our mental well-being; by reducing feelings of anger and resentment that often accompany intolerance, we can foster a more positive outlook on life. It also encourages personal growth, as we challenge our biases and preconceptions, ultimately leading to a more nuanced and informed worldview.

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How can Tolerance help others?

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Tolerance is not just beneficial for the individual; it has profound implications for the broader community as well. By practicing tolerance, we contribute to a culture of acceptance and understanding, which can empower marginalized groups and individuals who may feel ostracised due to their differences. This empowerment can lead to greater social justice and equality, as tolerance encourages the dismantling of systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination. Furthermore, when we model tolerance in our interactions, we inspire others to adopt similar attitudes, creating a ripple effect that promotes a more compassionate society. In essence, by fostering tolerance, we actively participate in building a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or beliefs.

 

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What Does Abrahamic Scripture Teach About 'Tolerance?'

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What does Jewish scripture teach about 'tolerance?' In Jewish tradition, tolerance is woven into the fabric of ethical teachings and is deeply rooted in the principles of justice and compassion. The Torah, which is the foundational text of Judaism, emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. For instance, the commandment to "love your neighbour as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18) is a central tenet that highlights the necessity of empathy and understanding towards others, regardless of their background or beliefs. Furthermore, the Talmud expands on this idea by discussing the concept of 'derech eretz,' which translates to 'the way of the land,' suggesting that proper behaviour and respect for others are crucial for a harmonious society. Jewish teachings also encourage dialogue and understanding between different communities, advocating for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. The concept of 'tikkun olam,' or repairing the world, reflects the Jewish commitment to social justice and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and respected.​

 

What does Christ teach about 'tolerance?' In the teachings of Jesus Christ, tolerance is a significant theme that is reflected in his actions and parables. Jesus preached love, forgiveness, and acceptance, urging his followers to embrace those who are marginalized or different. One of the most notable examples is the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where Jesus illustrates that true compassion transcends cultural and religious boundaries. This story underscores the importance of helping others, regardless of their background, and highlights the value of empathy in fostering understanding among diverse groups. Additionally, Jesus' interactions with people from various walks of life, such as tax collectors, sinners, and women, demonstrate his radical acceptance and challenge societal norms of exclusion. The call to love one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44) further emphasises the message of tolerance, advocating for reconciliation and understanding even in the face of adversity. Overall, Christ's teachings promote a vision of a community where love and acceptance are paramount, encouraging individuals to look beyond superficial differences and embrace the inherent dignity of all people.​

 

What does the Quran teach about 'tolerance?' The Quran, the holy book of Islam, contains numerous verses that advocate for tolerance, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among different faiths and cultures. One of the key principles emphasised in the Quran is the concept of 'Ummah,' which refers to the global community of Muslims, but it also extends to the idea of a broader human community. For instance, the Quran states, "To you be your religion, and to me my religion" (Quran 109:6), highlighting the importance of respecting differing beliefs and practices. This verse encapsulates the essence of religious tolerance, suggesting that individuals should honour each other's faith without coercion or judgment. Additionally, the Quran encourages dialogue and understanding, as seen in verses that call for respectful engagement with people of other religions (Quran 29:46). The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad further reinforce this message, as he advocated for kindness and justice towards all individuals, regardless of their background. The emphasis on compassion and understanding in the Quran serves as a foundation for fostering an inclusive society where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated. Overall, the teachings found within the Quran promote a vision of tolerance that encourages harmony and respect among all of humanity.

 

How can we become more Tolerant?

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Becoming more tolerant is a conscious effort that requires self-reflection, education, and practice.

 

One effective way to cultivate tolerance is through exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives.

 

Engaging with literature, films, and art from different backgrounds can provide valuable insights into the lives and experiences of others.

 

Participating in community events that celebrate diversity can help foster connections with people outside of our usual social circles.

 

It is essential to engage in open and honest dialogues about differences, as this can dismantle stereotypes and promote understanding.

 

Practicing empathy by actively listening to others and trying to understand their viewpoints is crucial.

 

Reflecting on our own biases and challenging preconceived notions can lead to significant personal growth and a greater capacity for tolerance.

 

By committing to these practices, we can become more tolerant individuals and contribute positively to the world around us.

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Some Scripture Verses about 'Tolerance'

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• Leviticus 19:18 - "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord."

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• Exodus 22:21 - "You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."

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• Deuteronomy 10:19 - "Love the stranger, therefore, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."

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• Leviticus 24:22 - "You shall have the same rule for the stranger and for the native, for I am the Lord your God."

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• Numbers 15:15-16 - "For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations. You and the stranger shall be alike before the Lord."

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• Proverbs 15:1 - "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

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• Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 - "Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others."

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• Matthew 7:1-2: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

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• Luke 6:37: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

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• Matthew 5:44: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

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• Mark 9:38-41: "Teacher, said John, we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us. 'Do not stop him,' Jesus said. 'For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.'

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• Psalms 86:15 - "But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness."

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• Psalms 103:8 - "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."

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• Psalms 145:8 - "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."

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• Psalms 37:8-9 - "Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land."

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• Psalms 34:14 - "Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."

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• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256): "There is no compulsion in religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong."

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• Surah Al-Ankabut (29:46): "And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them. And say, 'We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. Our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.'

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• Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13): "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."

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• Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8): "Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."

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• Surah Al-Furqan (25:68-70): "And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty. The punishment will be multiplied for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein humiliated."

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