Religious intolerance denies us full potential for unity, peace, prosperity
Our differences should not be grounds for tension and hatred. The richness of our diversity should be a source of great strength not weakness.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama describes religious intolerance as a tragedy. He called on young people to condemn it when he addressed students of the Fiji National University. People who impose their beliefs on others and condemn those of different faiths are bigots and hypocrites.
Religious tolerance is the mark of true and genuine religion. The moment we speak ill of someone because of his or her religious belief we are showing signs of intolerance.
Under our Constitution, we are free to practise our religion as long as we do not break the law or impose it on others.
We enjoy the universal and divine principle of freedom to choose. Even atheists (those who do not believe in God) have the right to their belief.
We do not condemn them. That judgment is God’s. He is the sole judge not us. Even the holy Bible clearly tells us that God is no respecter of persons, (Acts 10:34) and that his judgment is just and based on truth (Romans 2:2).
Throughout our lives we will have to make choices. Those choices constitute our judgement. We have to be careful on how we exercise them. As a safe and general rule they must be based on righteous standardsstandards that correct and uplift people - not condemn people to misery and even death.
In the context of religious freedom, we will all be judged by God on whether we have met his standards irrespective of our diversity and differences. Religious intolerance denies us the privilege and opportunity to experience the positive impact of tolerance and respecting those not of our faith. The benefits of tolerance and respect are unity, joy, peace and prosperity.
It will rub off on our attitude towards race, culture and politics.
Right now social media gives us a grim snapshot of the deep intolerance that exists in certain parts of our communities.
Our differences should not be grounds for tension and hatred. The richness of our diversity should be a source of great strength not weakness.
Once we get it right from a spiritual or religious base everything will fall into place.
Feedback: