”People cannot fully express their religiosity in all circumstances without stepping on someone else's because many religions directly or indirectly contradict each other.”
That full expression thingy is the tricky part.
Let’s start with partial expression: If we ask religious people what they believe about their Lord we can generally get consensus on some basic ideas. Some terms that most would agree on as descriptors are creative, all powerful, all knowing, and merciful. There is also a core of common beliefs and principles that apply to the human condition. Be righteous, kind, compassionate, merciful, and charitable, when caring for self and the well being of other(s) … and resist evil both personally and as it expressed in the world. I am sure the core agreements could be expanded upon but you get the idea.
Then we move to more full expression and things get complicated. For example, many religious leaders regularly instruct their followers on how to convince people of differing faiths that they are following the wrong path in life. Although, most religions agree that people should not be coerced into saying they believe something that in their hearts they are not convinced of, the temptation to win converts over to your team is powerful.
”Tolerance could be achieved in social circumstances, theoretically, if we could all learn to just give each other space to do their religious thing, whatever it may be, without getting offended.”
Full expression and giving space may come into conflict. Part of the requirement of caring for the well being of others is that you ring alarm bells or even physically bar the way if you see another person about to have a fatal accident or walk into burning flames. The religious authorities have the tendency of seeing other religions, or non-religious alternatives as paths to burning flames of hell.
Full expression might also mean that you verbally express things that others are taught to deny.
If you attend a wedding, for example, you accept that there will be prayers that might be incompatible with your religion but you accept them in that context.”
I don't think this covers the breadth of the issue but of course you should respect the customs of your host anytime you accept an invitation. You can always leave if you find the hosts requirements over your edge. I would not agree to being forced to drink alcohol in participation of a toasting ritual for example. |
