Congregation for Religious Tolerance

I contemplated the Congregation for Religious Tolerance as I was writing what was to become my first post, "My View: Religious Tolerance." I felt my reasons for a "congregation" were sound then, and feedback tells me my reasons are still sound.  As the blog approaches 9000 page views, I've had few "comments" but e-mails and conversations have been positive over the first year.

This is, and probably will always remain, a work in progress.  I welcome any and all constructive comments and criticism that might better the end product, whatever it morphs into.

There are no members in the Congregation, and I feel this may be an odd concept for many.  I'd like you to follow the blog, but do not be a follower; be critical, but with an open mind; mentor, but do not lecture; teach only if asked; always share, and gently guide others onto their own path, assisting to smooth to the surface and remove obstacles blocking their way.

I believe that God helps those that help themselves.  You cannot put someone on their path, but you can help them define it.  The rest is in their hands.  They can stand on a street corner with a sign asking for money, or they can take a helping hand and pull themselves up.  You can't save the poor from their lot, only they can do that if they really want to.

So, why a "Congregation," and not a "Church," for Religious Tolerance? I feel the meaning of "church" has been corrupted from the meaning Jesus originally gave to it (He mentions the word only twice in His teachings I believe), and even though religious scholars say they understand it does not refer to a building, well... ask yourself, where is your church located?

And, as for standing behind a pulpit?  I'd rather sit and talk.  Well, okay...maybe on an occasional soapbox.  I think Matthew states it best:

"But do not be called Teacher (Rabbi); for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Messiah. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”   (Matthew 23:8-12)

 I quote the Bible often, even though I have issues with the Good Book, and I will go into that on another post.  But I think the lessons, the message the Bible offers, create a good foundation for laws and morality.  Does this detract from other religious texts?  Absolutely not.  Most religious texts seem to have the same general moral, and spiritual, philosophical belief systems.  Understanding this, one wonders why we go to war and kill each other.  This for me is a mystery answered only by understanding man's greed and pride.

At this moment I am keeping the Congregation simple with two easy paragraphs and a few quotes:

Mission Statement:

The Congregation for Religious Tolerance promotes the idea of religious and spiritual tolerance through education, understanding, fairness and compassion, conversation and debate while allowing everyone to peacefully follow their own spiritual beliefs without oppression or discrimination.

Philosophy:

1.   Tolerance may not necessarily extend beyond religious beliefs to include some religious actions -- particularly those that harm or harass others. 

2.   Religious tolerance is a fundamental right in a democracy.

3.   It is incumbent upon all of us, at the end of the day, to protect those that cannot protect themselves and to stand up for the peaceful rights of others.

Quotes:

"Tolerance is the posture and cordial effort to understand another's beliefs, practices, and habits without, necessarily, sharing or accepting them."

~Joshua Liebman, social critic

"The more people come together, the more borders will be opened and people and opinions get together, the more un-renounceable tolerance will be a fundamental part of our social life. Without tolerance, there is no religious liberty, no freedom of conscience and no freedom of thought."

~Dr. Thomas Klestil, President, Federal Republic of Austria

 "Those who see the variety and not the unity wander on from death to death." ~Upanishads

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with an Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, to wage his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as Chaplain Program Liaison, at a regional medical center.