Definition of Religious Intolerance

We say that a person is intolerant when he adopts a attitude Disrespectful towards those who have ideas or beliefs different from yours. Usually intolerance is associated with belligerent or offensive positions.

The classic bigot argument

Although there is no single cause that explains religious intolerance, it is possible to speak of a very general argument among those who practice one religion and are intolerant of others. The argument is simple: if my religious doctrine is true, it is reasonable that I fight those who defend false doctrines. This position is considered as a form of religious fundamentalism.

Religious intolerance is a phenomenon as old as religion itself

When the first Christians practiced their rites, they had to hide in the catacombs because the Roman authorities did not tolerate their beliefs. Jews have been persecuted at many times in history and the motivation The main reason for this persecution was precisely the hostility towards their beliefs.

The religious vision of the pre-Columbian peoples was fought by the Christians who came to the American continent. In Christianity itself there have been cases of intolerance towards other Christian doctrines, which have been labeled as heresies or deviations from the authentic faith. These examples remind us that rejection and intolerance of the beliefs of others has been a constant throughout history.

Religious intolerance opposes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article 18 specifies that every individual has right to the freedom of thought and that said right affects the practice of religious beliefs. Thus, if we are all free to believe and practice one religious doctrine or another, our freedom is as valid as that of others.

Religious intolerance is not only opposed to the Universal Declaration of Human rightsRather, it is a position that fuels hatred and confrontation between people and peoples.

Religious tolerance is a relatively recent phenomenon

If we take the case of Spain as a reference, for centuries the Catholicism has been very belligerent with other religious beliefs (Protestants, Jews, or followers of Islam suffered persecution and intolerance of the state and the Church Catholic).

However, from the Constitution Since 1978 religious freedom has been regulated and at present Spanish society is mostly tolerant towards any belief or religious doctrine. East weather social respect and tolerance also exists in the whole of Latin America.

Photos: Fotolia - Sangoiri / Comugnero Silvana