OUR VIEW: Need religious tolerance for social progression

Without religious tolerance, there is no way our communities and country can step closer to unity. We all test each other’s religious beliefs daily, whether we recognize it or not. Clearly, the LDS religion is dominant locally, but the proportion of Cache Valley’s population that is not LDS ascribes to dozens of religions, from Jewish to Buddhist. Many are not religious at all. Our professors, all being intelligent people, have each made decisions about their religious and spiritual preferences, as well.

Because we are all free to make decisions, and spiritual possibilities are endless, we must understand that at no point during our lifetimes will we ever all agree on one belief system. However, coexistence is not a decision – we live on Earth together, with varying opinions and backgrounds, and every individual wants to feel accepted for the way they simply are. Many spend their entire lives searching for a place wherein they feel a sense of belonging.

For this purpose, all inter-religious events planned locally, including the Easter event held over the weekend, deserve recognition. Those who care enough to bring members multiple faiths together understand what it takes to create a civil and thriving society. This idea fits well with CHaSS Dean John Allen’s Last Lecture topic, in which he stated a civil society is made when individuals start caring more about making decisions that are best for the society at large, rather than making decisions that advance personal needs.

Religious conversations do not need to carry tension. In any conversation, no matter the topic, both parties should listen intently to what the other has to say without disputing, merely learning about the belief differences. We will treat each other as human beings when we learn to appreciate why individuals choose particular religious practices – or choose not to associate themselves with religion. Most times we will find that any particular religion gives life meaning and evokes a sense of peace. These are two things many people spend decades searching for.

By organizing more opportunities to welcome religious discussions, we believe our community’s unity will strengthen, there will be more charity than already exists, and we will all feel like we belong – even in settings that are unfamiliar.