What Does Religious Tolerance Mean?

Come join us for some informational philosophical discussion. No prior knowledge or research is needed, but an open mind is. This week we will be looking into questions around religious tolerance, pluralism, and how those those interact with our own personal ethics and public policy.

This week touches on some personal topics, so just a gentle reminder that the goal here is "what are the rules and norms that make it easier to get along with my neighbors, and to permit us to live ethical lives?"

Discussion Questions:

1. To what extent should religious teaching and practices be permitted in public institutions? Should it mandated, permitted, or banned? For eample, is it acceptable for public schools to have prayer before eating, or for teachers to hang religious symbols in their classrooms?
2. How should we think about making specific allowances to accommodate religious practices? For example, in places where face masks are not allowed (banks, etc) should allowances be made for coverings like burqas?
3. How can we (or should we) disentangle religious practices from other kinds of cultural practices? Is there anything particularly different about religious practices that would require more deference and tolerance than other practices?
4. Is is inherently wrong or right for a country to have a state religion, if it still respects other faiths (Church of England for example)
5. To what extent should you personally be deferent or tolerant of practices and norms that you personally find to be unethical or harmful?
6. Are religions useful, or detrimental, to finding community and harmony in pluralist, diverse cities (like The Bay) for finding community?