Blog ·
tolerance vs. acceptance
Maybe it is time to reacquaint ourselves with the definitions of some words.
tolerance (noun)
The ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.
tolerate (verb)
Allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of something that one dislikes or disagrees with, without interference.
acceptance (noun)
The action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered.
or
Agreement with or belief in an idea or explanation.
Just as a reminder: Our society requires of anyone wanting to live within it the acceptance of our norms (laws). Among these norms is religious tolerance, an important achievement in the development of western civilisation. Never mistake that with religious acceptance however! We only offer religious tolerance and not religious acceptance. Do not presume to foist any dictum of your superstition upon our society. Not as an excuse; not as a guiding principle; not as the basis for our norms.