Well it seems to me that first of all, they DO NOT have to refrain from having an opinion that someone else dislikes, and they DO NOT have to say they agree with others when they do not, they CAN say they disagree.

I wanted to address this first because when it comes to people of good will, patience, and character, who criticize the toleration stuff, it seems to me that this has to do with the biggest issue, the biggest practical (and personal) problem such people have with the 'tolerance rhetoric'/sloganeering/attitudes.

There are ways to try to say things without making a verbal attack, without starting a fight.  Sometimes it's hard, but sometimes it isn't a good time or place to make a criticism on someone who may take it badly.

====

But then there are other people who just don't have as much good will, patience, or character.  They may want to say something patently rude or offensive, they may want to call someone names, they may want to snarl or scold someone, start a fight, or harass or beat someone, or excuse others for doing so, they may want to look the other way when someone is treated unfairly.  That's another sort of problem.  I'm seeing THAT as the REAL problem behind the lingo: intolerance.

So THAT's how intolerance SHOULDN'T be expressed.  That's where, on a continuum, somewhere a line is crossed and there's behavior that should be spoken against, or action could or should be taken against it.  Passed some point, legal action can be taken.

What the hell!  What does youth have to do with anything?

Like that?

Well, if you're a female, then you're a little higher on the chain of maturity.   

Bob Marley?

Trying is all I'm asking. Even if world peace is impossible, attempting it can only do good. The only thing I disagree with is the fact that God is the only way to world peace. Because I have come to the conclusion that few people want to hand over their beliefs and culture (considering they are content with those beliefs), therefore won't convert to another religion. So, I think world peace by Jesus Christ is impossible. Or highly improbably, because nothing is impossible.

A friend of mine lived in Syria. His neighbor was killed for being gay and hung in front of his mother's front door so all would know of his "crimes". Stein complains about how the most popular and privelaged religion in this country is finally being brought down to the same level as everyone else. It's funny how you think religious intolerance is a holy achievement until we start to discriminate your religion. Wasn't it you who started the post about religions (esp. Christianity) not being allowed in public schools? That kid was lucky to only get a few detentions. A Wiccan would've gotten suspended a few weeks (which has happened in my school, so don't call me a liar). And you call me selfish.

No, I'm trying to finish a Psychology project. And let's get one thing straight, I'm not a nice person... I don't tolerate a lot of things. I think rapists and child molestors should be publicly beheaded. Religions, on the other hand, should be accepted equally.

Tolerance is something I believe in. I don't care if you respect me. Frankly, I never expected you to. In fact, I knew you'd do the exact opposite by belittling me (which, ironically, you are putting me down which inevitably makes you seem smarter and "noble" for weeding out the "ignorant" and "egotistical" little girl. How selfish. Go you!) I only want someone to learn something from this. Which, with all the accusations against myself, I doubt anyone will.

I follow four different religions and agree with those four. I respect every religion (so long it doesn't kill or hurt anyone (such as a cult)). How is this intolerance? You're just mad because I don't agree with yours. I don't respect arrogant religious activists who think they're right about everything and they're better than everyone else.

Maybe I'm sensitive because it's rude and I wouldn't expect it from anyone. Gandhi taught tolerance and I get most of my philosophies from him. So, he must be selfishly inclined to make himself feel more important than everyone else. It has nothing to do with him (or me) caring about the well being of the planet and its inhabitants. I believe all people should be treated equally. Gandhi believed all people should be treated equally. Oh, yes... I see what you're saying now. We're completely different! *sarcasm*
So. You're saying we devote our time and patience to teach people that everyone is equal (that includes us, btw) with the only intentions of selfishly highering ourselves above everyone else? Which completely goes against our philosophies?? That doesn't even make sense!


The things I don't tolerate:
Murder, abuse, rape, brainwashing, drugs (and those affiliate with such), terrorism, disrespecting others' rights. Those are the basics. I tolerate people coming door to door. I usually say, "No hablo ingles" and wait for them to leave. It gets kind of old when they say the same thing every time they brave the walk through my yard and past the three attack dogs and various booby traps. I give them credit, they are very determined. What I don't tolerate is people protesting gay marriages and trying to keep creationism in public-school science classes. Or worse, teachers refusing to teach me evolution because either a Christian student throws a fit about it, or the teacher doesn't agree with it.


Marriage is a right. How isn't it? How can you prevent someone from loving another? They're going to be together anyway, why shouldn't we legalize it? It would lessen the gay pride parades... Teach them about God, and if they still don't agree with it- leave them alone! Christianity isn't right for everyone. It wasn't for me or Myers. Besides, there's no proof that God exists whether you want to believe it or not. Therefore, you can't go around telling everyone you're right, because there's no way of knowing you are! I think people should worship whatever makes them happy. Christianity didn't make me happy. It made me depressed. Why would you enforce a religion upon someone if they don't like it?
 
Haha! You almost had me there. You don't have to try to be nice... My instructor is a Christian. He teaches us not to favor any religion above another or disrespect any faith and/or culture.

I pray before dinner with them, even though I don't believe it. And I have never disrespected them or thought of them less than me because of their beliefs. And, personally, I don't know how you know so much about me when you don't even know who I am. Just because I don't like you, doesn't mean I dislike all Christians.


Oh, yes... There's absolutely no way I could ever disagree with Christianity unless I don't know anything about it... I shouldn't be surprised, I get that a lot... Why do you think that if I don't agree with you, I'm intolerant of all that is Christianity? I don't agree with all the "wrath" and punishment for those you don't agree with God. The first three commandments are all about God and how not to disobey him or you'll go to Hell. They say God is so merciful because he gave us free will. Free will to worship him without question or burn in the Lake of Fire for all of an eternity. That's not free will, that's an ultimatum. Like saying "no" to the Godfather.

I know. But it's the truth. This is why a lot of people turn away from Christianity. And it's not just a handful of people, there are many who don't exactly "take it well" when others tell them they aren't Christian. People tell me I'm going to Hell all the time. I'm sick and tired of it.

Haha! That's funny... *sarcasm*

No, but I have a website. See: exchristian.net forums. Myers has an account on there if you want to meet him. His codename is "Myers". I assigned him to it for the project, so I don't know how long he'll be on there and he doesn't get on too often. Parental advisory: The contents of the previously mentioned site contain vulgar language and strong anti-Christian themes... obviously...

Certain phrases such as: "Oh my God!" and "Thank God!" and "Dear Lord!" tend to stick, especially if you grew up in a Christian family. If you go to that website, the members claim how hard it was to leave the church and the psychological traumas they still experience from being a Christian. I think it'll be easier to understand if you actually tried quitting your religion. Why do you think espionage is so hard? You're old life can easily be confused with your new one. It takes years of practice to get good at it. It's tons of fun though!

You implied that my Psychology class failed to teach us to love others. Who teaches a Psychology class? A Psychology teacher... Hmmm....

I never said philosophers followed divine rule. On the contrary, I said quite the opposite.

Elaborate on what? I think you know what they are... I'm not giving a pass. I don't agree with the way Atheists go about promoting themselves, and I don't follow their steps. Although, I have been tempted to many times, if you catch my drift...
You're the one accusing me of being selfish, even though you have no idea who I am. You're right, I have no idea whether or not there is a God. I have concluded that there isn't one, but I'm always open to ideas. But you don't have any idea whether or not you're right either. So, why do Christians claim other religions are false if they don't even know if their own religion is correct?

No scientist sells his or her ideas as fact. They sell them as theories.

Exactly.

Do you know how much money you can make for learning Arabic? And Farsi. Especially if you're in the military, which I will be. Do you still think it's weird now, or are you going to pick up a copy of the Qur'an and learn it yourself?

If Hindus (and the rest of the Middle East) had a proper government and federal security, and throw on a better economy while we're at it, they would be able to regulate the religious disputes and resort them to arguing and complaining on forums with complete strangers as opposed to sending someone to a public building while strapped to a bomb in the name of Allah. If we took away all the cops and millitary in the US, the radicals would have a riot and we would be the next Middle East. Of course, if the situation would be allowed to continue it would only get worse. Eventually, a dictator would take over the country and take away our guns only to send off suicidal terrorists to attack other countries in the name of God as opposed to our own.

You're right about Hinduism. I was thinking of Buddhism. But the actual beliefs of Hinduism teach inclusivism and tolerance. Which is why I doubt the attackers are actually following Hindu teachings. And if they are, I doubt they're fighting over religion.

Acumen,
"For those of us Christians who were brought up in the faith, who have studied the religion extensively, it gets a little frustrating to deal with the same old common misconceptions of Christianity usually based upon popular hearsay.  And the posters think they are forwarding legitimate complaints, but most of them aren't legitimate as they are commonly built upon either a contextual misinterpretation of scripture, or some idiotic thing that happened in the middle ages."

I was brought up in the faith, studied fairly extensively, tried like the devil (pun intended) to believe and finally had to accept the fact that I am totally incapable of believing. I think we all formulate these deep intellectual rationals why we believe or we don't but I think we really have no choice to believe or not. I can't help but wonder if these deep intellectual musings don't really serve the purpose of justifying what we really have no control over. I wonder if you thesists have no more choice but to believe than I have to not believe.

This is from a site that will remain anonymous for the confedentiality of the members.

Member number one (who is also a moderator) replied to a thread entitled "Thought about Hinduism and Christianity":
Christianity = Living God that does not require killing of children for possible entrance to heaven
Hinduism= Dead god,some branches of it requiring killing of children up to 2 years of age(although not all branches of it)...the main one doesn't....usually the characters depeicted of the gods are deformed in someway...for example 4 arms or worshiping a cow until it dies....ther is no 1 single absolute belief...no standard doctrine for their belief(for example...as christians we believe in salvation) I think of hand they have about 4-5 main beliefs and a few 'side' ones.

Now my sources are 4-5 years old so they may have changed
......
I replied: No religion should compete against another and it is wrong to think otherwise.
......
Member number 2 (who is an upstanding member of the community and good friends with the mods and owner of the site) replied: What do you base this OPINION of yours on? Is there an objective basis for it that we can test?

And Adrian, if you read the original post again... she is not looking for a debate, so please don't hijack another thread.
......
I replied: I base it on the fact that Christianity's exclusivism is not only immoral, but also it's greatest downfall. To which I will start a forum about the particular subject after I ask some Wiccans what they think about Christians' need to impede on others' beliefs. I've already seen some rather unpleasant comments toward Christianity as it is. Let me remind you, by instigating this debate, you will gain a greater understanding of the mindsets you are trying to convert. In this understanding, you can better your approach as to how to influence converters.

I'm not trying to start a debate on this thread. I was just implying that we should not look down our noses at others' faiths. Comparing them is one thing... If that is the intention, I will be more than happy to participate. But some of the remarks I've seen pertaining to Hinduism, on this very thread nonetheless, are downright insulting! I duly hope none will follow that path.
......
Member #2 replied: And as always, you refuse to entertain the possibility that if Christianity is true, that those that are faithful in their exclusivism are saving souls that would otherwise perish in Hell apart from their Creator. This to the Christian is the very definition of LOVE.
......
I replied: And your impetuous "love" only pushes them away. You need to learn the mindset of the person you're trying to help before you can help them. Insulting their religion by claiming it's wrong, and blatantly saying they follow a dead God is only going to make them hate you. Trust me. I've been on the other side of the fence. I know what it feels like to have your heritage and beliefs ripped apart by someone who thinks they're better than you. It hurts. That hurt turns into hate.
......
Member #3 (another upstanding member) replied: I love it when people try to tell Christians that being exclusive is wrong.  Other than the redemptive actions of Jesus Christ, exclusivity IS Christianity.  Christ followers know that Christ said "I am THE way, THE truth, and THE light. NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT through ME"

Yep, that is certainly exclusionary.  As far as it's downfall.  To agree with that statement one would have to agree that Christianity fell.
---
The debate goes on. This is getting long (there are three conversations going on at once) and I'm sick of copying and pasting, so I'll just give you the cut and dry version.
Member #2 claims they were just comparing Christianity and Hinduism, not insulting Hinduism. I claimed how some of the members were insinuating Christianity was a better religion than Hinduism because Hinduism followed a dead god and Christianity followed a living one (and she implied Hinduism is a cult, but I left that bit out). Member #1 said, "It is [a better religion]." I said, "It isn't." Then I asked why the Biblical stories of Jesus have so many similarities to Krishna's life. They argued with me for awhile, then they just kicked me out. There's religious intolerance for ya. There are more issues from that site. I'll post if you'd like, considering I can find them.