by Jules Willis

Created on: March 03, 2008

Tolerance, or the ability to accept is a spiritual concept. The acceptance of others and their religion, lifestyle and culture is an act of selflessness and the epitome of humility. It is a testimony of the individual that they are no better (or worse) than anyone else. In a world fraught with judgmentalism and contempt for others, it is a breath of fresh air.

Many religions espouse dogma that is judgmental in nature and claim to be the only way to salvation. Through the judgment of others comes a feeling of superiority. There is no way to live peacefully in a world where any group of people elevate themselves above others in judgment. Some of the most holy of texts, advocate tolerance and yet people continue to judge others. It is unfortunate that it is so common a social ailment.

Tolerance has a place in almost every religion. In at least twenty-one of the world's religions, there is a version of the something like the Golden Rule. The application of this precept would be impossible without the ability to be tolerant of others. There is no qualification of "doing unto others as you would have them do unto you, as long as they hold the same beliefs". It is a goal to treat all others well, even those that you don't agree with.

Tolerance and love are the salvation that may redeem the world. To be intolerant of people simply because they have different religious beliefs just doesn't make any sense. If there is a God who is omnipotent, doesn't it make sense that that God would manifest itself in ways that each particular culture could understand and embrace? Different paths to same place perhaps? Of course no one can say anything like that with any sort of certainty. And to try to understand the infinite with a finite mind is a ridiculous proposition.

The beliefs of each individual are their own and as long as they don't hurt anyone, tolerance should be shown. While it is human nature to be judgmental, it is important for us to overcome our judgmentalism with tolerance and acceptance. For the world to live in harmony, we need to get past the idea that others that don't believe as we do are wrong. Different, perhaps but not necessarily wrong.

Showing love and tolerance for fellow human beings regardless of whether or not we share the same values or beliefs makes the most sense. It is the path that is the most humble and at the same time the most God-like. It enriches society and the individual and provides for the betterment of the world at large.

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