Video of YomHoShoah
At the very end of the video, it compares numbers of lives lost with the census of people living in cities and provinces. It's horrifying to know that 11,000,000 deaths were the result of Anti-Semitism. How does it come to this? How does an opposing religious view turn into a massacre? What is the reasoning behind the killing of others because of religion? Do they kill because they believe others will be lead astray by what is, in their opinion, a "false doctrine"? In other words, do they kill for the sake of their religion? Or do they kill because they view themselves as the elect and see all other religious views are only held by infidels that do not matter? In other words, do they kill for more power and domination in the world? These questions may never be answered, but they do form the emergence of religious tolerance.
My friend described to me how important it is for the Jewish community to make a day of remembrance for what happened to them. She told me that they sound off sirens and immediately, everyone stops what they are doing, stands to their feet, and remember. She said that even if they are in a car driving, when they hear the siren they will pull over, step out of the car, stand, and remember. Below is a picture of a rabbi blowing a shofar to sound the call to remembrance.
Tragedies such as the Holocaust have been seen before. During the Crusades, many Christians attempted to convert the world to Christianity. The question remains as to whether their pursuit was gold, glory, or God. The truth of the matter is that there will always be religious diversity. However, there will always be a few radicals in all religions that blemish the bunch. For example, a Catholic priest who has been caught as a pedaphile does not indicate that all Catholics are pedaphiles. A Protestant pro-life protestor that bombs an abortion clinic does not indicate that all Protestants are murderers for the sake of pro-life. Religious intolerance is placing a stamp on a religion based on a few radicals that make major headlines. These headlines breed hate and retaliation among religions. There should be respect among all mankind regardless of faith. We are all human and we are all seeking the truth. It's okay to agree to disagree
So where do we go from here? Is religious tolerance merely getting along or is it also remaining tight-lipped about your faith so as not to offend others? It is agreed that we should all show respect to one another and that we should not form an opinion about a religion based on the few radicals that make the headlines, but what about our view of the truth? Some religions believe that all roads lead to heaven. Others believe that there is only one way to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. If it is true that Jesus is the only way to heaven, am I truly embracing my brother who believes in another path to heaven by not sharing my truth? Thus arises the dilemma of whether or not sharing one's faith is considered religious intolerance. You can love your brothers of different faith, but shouldn't you at least show them your truth - especially if you believe it is the only way to heaven. It seems the push for tolerance is not only being respectful (which should always be practiced), but also keeping your own beliefs silent. This is the point to which I believe an error in judgment has occurred. I think it is critical to share our truths while being respectful, as long as it is done with a loving heart and not a condemning spirit. As brothers and sisters, we want the best for each other and that wish remains regardless of religious choice. Once again, I will stress one of my favorite things: balance. There is a stability needed between the freedom to share our views and the respect to be given to those of other religious beliefs.********************
After speaking with my Jewish friend, I was left feeling the burden of what the brothers and sisters of her faith endured. I found myself stopping for a moment to remember the great loss of life that resulted from religious intolerance. I was pleased, however, to know that she expresses no hate toward those who have so wronged the Jewish community. Rather, she's open to hearing and discussing other faiths, as long as it is conducted in a respectful manner. I would expect nothing less. I am a Christian, she is a Jew, and we are very good friends. We disagree in our beliefs, we share our beliefs, but we also have respect for each other. These three things make up religious diversity and tolerance.
