Tolerance, Respect and Appreciation
Tolerance is not enough. I would say it is a neutral "live and let live" attitude. It neither supports nor acts to prevent what others say or do or how others live (so long as it does not impact negatively on the life of others). It is certainly better than intolerance that can lead to worse things - hateful words and violent actions. But better than tolerance is respect for differences; and better than that is appreciation for the richness that diversity can bring to our own being. Respect the rights of people, even when we disagree with their beliefs and actions. That seems like a good description of tolerance (as a positive thing): tolerate (the existence of) the beliefs and practices while respecting the right of others to hold them. A neutral position: no need to support those beliefs and actions we disagree with but we don't try to block them either = tolerance. Not all religious practices affect others. Those we can tolerate. But I agree, they can beco...