Topic: Religion
Practice Tolerance Strong communities are tolerant of individual differences.by BattleStations
(Libertarian)
Friday, February 15, 2008
And now a message to those fervently opposed to verbal prayer and to those that are outraged by Muslim children praying in school during recess. Stop the bigotry! What is the message we are sending to our children when we desire to silence those that have a religion or set of beliefs different from ours? I believe the message is clear. We are teaching our children that bigotry is an acceptable practice.
Tolerance of individuals different from us is what keeps communities together. Intolerance of beliefs different from ours creates strife. Intolerance breeds hate. It is the base for bigotry, racism and radicalism. Extreme intolerance is a component of KKK, Neo Nazi, Al Qaeda, and extremist groups alike. Uncontrolled bigotry is followed by violence.
People should realize we are all human beings with differences. Show respect for your neighbor. Read the words of Mohandas Gandhi, "Anger and intolerance are the twin enemies of correct understanding." "Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit." Gandi fought bigotry with peace and understanding. It is a noble thing to understand those who are different from us. Set a good example for the children by demonstrating tolerance.
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2008 BattleStations, all rights reserved.
Published: Friday, February 15, 2008
Last modified: Friday, February 15, 2008
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Posted By: Scott from Oregon
Date: 2008-02-15 18:08:30
One thing not often understood about Gandhi was that he was a full blown bigot. He spent much time in Africa in his early years and his bigotry was profound against the Africans he lived amongst...
Posted By: Jahfre Fire Eater
Date: 2008-02-15 18:36:39
Liberty demands tolerance. Collectivism, Statism, Federalism, etc. all demand homogeneity. The only path to homoginization requires force, oppression and peer-policiing. In otherwords, it takes a colossal intervention against the better traits of humanity.
Tolerance towards all, except the intolerant. The children in a public school setting may pray among themselves, but may not be led in a prayer by a member of the school staff. Separation of church and state applies. Religion, by its nature breeds intolerance because all religions teach that theirs is best. We should separate education from the State and religion from education. Theology may be taught in religious schools, but should not contaminate education. It is the difference between chemistry and alchemy, astronomy and astrology, evolution and intelligent design - the first relies on facts the other faith and fiction. Let's keep things straight.
Just for the sake of argument... I think the point could be made that the "strongest" community - whatever that defines in this context - would be one in which people are very much the same. Having common beliefs, goals and worldviews.
What is this article even about? Who is trying to silence sweet little muslim kids during a recess prayer session? Where is the "uncontrolled bigotry" just teetering on the edge of violence? While I can agree with much of what I think is the meaning here, I have to say that this article comes off as alarmist propaganda from a radical multiculturalist.
"Be intolerant, because some things are just stupid."
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2008 BattleStations, all rights reserved.