The Congregation for Religious Tolerance

Note:  This post was updated due to the obvious interest in the content, and posted again for further comment.  Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.  Thank you!

I contemplated the Congregation for Religious Tolerance as I was writing, what was to become, my first post to this blog, "My View: Religious Tolerance." I felt my reasons were sound then, feedback tells me my reasons are still sound.  I've had no comments, but e-mails and conversations have been positive.

This is a work in progress.  I welcome any, and all, comments. 

 

There are no members in the Congregation, and this will 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 be a teacher.  Share, but gently guide the lost onto their own path.  Smooth the surface and remove the 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.

 

So, why "Congregation," and not "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... where is your church located?

And, as for standing behind a pulpit?  I'd rather sit and talk.  Well, ...maybe an occasional soap box.  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)

Now, I don't quote the Bible often. I have issues with the Good Book, and I will go into that on another post.

 

At this moment I am keeping the Congregation simple with three easy paragraphs:

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