The Congregation for Religious Tolerance (Updated from 10/17/2014)

 

Note to my readers:  The page views for this particular post have gone through the roof, from the first year's count.  Most of this interest has come from overseas, primarily in the European theater.  France, Ukraine, Turkey, and Romania account for the majority of the interest. 

Why the sudden interest in the Congregation?  It might be due to world events, as people struggle with tolerance.  It's hard to not blame many for the acts of the few, especially when the "few" number in the thousands.  But, then, Germany was just a small country, run by fewer Nazis, and they almost took over half of the world and the Island of Japan almost took over the other half.   

The reasons are not as important as the fact that someone is searching for answers.  To this end, I felt it was prudent to bring this post back to the forefront.  I will continue to update it from time to time and put it closer to the top of the growing list of posts.

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, now.  As the blog approaches over two million views, I've had few "comments," but e-mails and conversations have been positive over the years, and I have humbly accepted thanks from several people for guiding them forward in their own beliefs.  I always say we do what we can with what God has provided.

This is, and probably will always remain, a work in progress, as is evidenced by this third update of the original posting from June 14, 2013.  I am a firm believer in a statement by Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, 500 years before the birth of Christ, "The only thing that is constant is change."  I welcome any and all constructive comments and criticisms that might better the end product, whatever this product morphs into.

Why a "Congregation," and not a church?  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?  Matthew 18:20 tells us, "For where two or three are assembled in my name, there I am in the midst of them."  A "church" is defined as a congregation, not a building.  And the church Jesus spoke of was to be built on the solid "rock" of Peter, as is described in Matthew 16:18.

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it."

-- Matthew 16:18

There are no "members" in this Congregation.  In all humility, I say, If you follow my posts you are already a part of something greater than yourself, and I feel this may be an odd concept for many of you.  You are a member of a species that has an insatiable appetite for something more, yet we know not what or, more importantly, why.  

The moment you question your long-lived system of belief, you become one of a multitude that is raging at the machine of organized religion, for their seeming greed, conflicting beliefs, hypocrisy, and especially because of the fear of God they intentionally instill in us.  They do this by using the Bible as a weapon, and if you believe this "sacred scripture" was written by fallible men with probable agendas, collected into one book by other fallible men with probable agendas, and used with great effect to rule the Christian Church by yet other men with obvious agendas, then yes, it is a weapon.  It is a weapon historically used to ensure servitude and healthy "tithing" to support a physical "church" and, more specifically, to support the egotistical leaders of organized religions.  

But, what of the sweet love, understanding, and forgiveness that was Jesus Christ?  What of the loving Father?  Questions, questions...  

I'd like you to "follow" this blog, but do not be a follower; be critical, but, with an open mind; be a mentor, but do not lecture; teach only if asked; always share, and gently guide others onto their own path, assisting them in order to smooth the surface and remove obstacles blocking their way.  And, for heaven's sake, have an opinion!  I believe that God helps those who 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.

And, as for standing behind a pulpit, I'd much rather sit and talk.  Well, okay... maybe I get on the occasional soap box.  I return to Matthew, as I think he states it best in 23:8-12.

"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 go into those issues further in many of my posts.  But I think the lessons, and the message the Bible offers, create a good, solid 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.  I struggle to understand this: Why do we go to war and kill each other?  This, for me, is a mystery answered by understanding man's greed and pride.

Below, I have listed the Congregation fundamentals.  I have kept it 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:

I use quotes throughout my posts.  I find the thought processes of others fascinating, especially those of the classic philosophers and statesmen whose ideas are as valid today as they were before the birth of Christ.  I will also be quoting Master Yoda, Winnie the Pooh, and Star Trek as I tend to think new ideas can be found in the most unlikely of places and tend to bring their own brand of "revelations" to our ever-changing world.

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

-- Joshua Liebman

"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

"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 view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, 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 an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a 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 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

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 a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He wages 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 personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com