What makes up tolerance for other beliefs?

Great comments. So what makes someone tolerant? Is it just a function of how they were raised, and/or the tolerance level of the family, friends, and community around them? Is it respect for diversity, and where does that come from? Just looking for everyone to throw some ideas out on the table. Draven the Respectful Atheist http://dravenwriter.blogspot.com

Yes I think if they were raised to be tolerant than they would probly be more likely to be respectful to other views. But this isnt always the case. Even education isnt always the key to tolerance. Someone who is secure in their beliefs may still decide everyone needs to be the way they are so security in your beliefs still doesnt seem to be the cure for intolerance. All of these things do help but I think respect makes a difference. If you respect others than you are more tolerant. Respect to total stranger is a hard thing but I would say we need to respect each other as human beings to be tolerant.

I agree with you. Tolerance does not mean compromising your own belief. It is about apreciating ideas and opinions that are different from you.

Great comments DeaXyza. Anything further on the root causes behind your level of tolerance, and things that might cause intolerance? Draven the Respectful Atheist http://dravenwriter.blogspot.com

I grew up in a multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-lingual, multi-religion secular society , I think that is what makes up for my tolerance rather I would say my endless respect for another person's belief or religion. Tolerance is when you actually program yourself, Respect is when it comes from appreciation!

Very good points. I can certainly see and understand what you are talking about. Your reversal of my equation helps point out that it can probably not be applied to everyone. I know many people who are 100% certain their beliefs are correct and have absolutely no tolerance for other views. I think these are the ones I had in mind when I suggested the rule of thumb. I also know people who are probably 100% certain their beliefs are correct and yet display massive amounts of tolerance towards other views. I think it brings to light a point others have discussed on this topic. That is, tolerance and the level of certainty in your beliefs are not correlated factors. I am perfectly willing to go along with this line of thinking. So, what ARE some background factors that lead to an abundance or lack of tolerance? Draven the Respectful Atheist http://dravenwriter.blogspot.com

I think the foundation for tolerance would be intelligence and the ability understand why you or the other person believes the way they do. Be intelligent enough to understand that trying to shake a persons beliefs can make the person feel threatened, essentially like you are rocking the boat and they don't know how to swim. Some one who does not have the courage of their convictions will tend to argue his beliefs in a circular manner getting more and more vituperative as you present yourself calmly and logically.

Another thought on this subject just occured to me. Tolerance would be affected by how you were brought up. We all learn a great deal by example. That which you hear and see on a daily basis, unless it in someway hurts you, will give you your basic guidelines. The more I think about it the more I believe that both prejudices and religious beliefs are patterned for you this way. Sometimes something happens to shake your ideas and you look for a different path, but still you had to have the original input to make a judgement.

Great points, pangeacat! You touched on some of the symptoms resulting from tolerance or a lack thereof. Anything further to comment regarding the root causes leading to levels of tolerance? Draven the Respectful Atheist http://dravenwriter.blogspot.com

You, sir, are a philosopher! Wow, you sure are pushing to make me think to the absolute best of my ability! Don't worry ~ I count that as a good thing. ;) Personally, I would say that the root causes of tolerance or intolerance would differ from person to person. Two people can handle the same (or simliar) situation in two completely different ways. This touches on nature vs. nurture. In my opinion, both contribute to the way a person grows and thrives. I would say that many people are raised a certain way (i.e. to be tolerant, or to be intolerant of another person's beliefs, lifestyle, choices, etc.). Some people rebel against those beliefs, choosing to seek a path that is different from those teachings. Others choose to continue the cycle (one way or another), adhereing to the teachings of their youth. A definitive answer is difficult (at best) to arrive at on this question. Everyone has some kind of prejudice, and (thankfully) most of us try to rid ourselves of these prejudices by seeking some sort of enlightenment (whether that be through science, religion, or a mix of the two). But, where does the prejudice come from in the first place? Does it stem from our upbringing (whether we rebel against or accept that upbringing ~ that would still be a contributing factor)? Does it stem from what we perceive as good and/or bad adult experiences? Does it stem from some innate brain pattern? From our astrological chart? In my personal opinion ~ I would say all of thee above, dependent on the specific person.

Good comments tommy408, please see my response to sumofalltears, I'm sure you would have some great insights to share as to the possible causes of tolerance and intolerance. Draven the Respectful Atheist http://dravenwriter.blogspot.com