Open Society does not Equal Doormat
We Americans are so used to living in an open society that we forget or simply do not realize how fragile it is. Being an open society is not the default state of a culture. The natural trend is for stronger ideologies and forces to overwhelm and displace weaker ones.
If we value the freedom of an open society, where everyone is free to hold their own beliefs, we cannot allow the expansion of people who are convinced they are justified in imposing their values and standards on everyone. That mindset must be resisted whether it’s fundamental Christians, radical Muslims or narrow-minded Atheists.
Tolerating Intolerance puts Freedom at Risk
If you tolerate an aggressive, intolerant ideology it will eventually take over and individuals will lose their freedoms.
So, to preserve an open society there are times when leaders and citizens must say, “No, we will not allow that” and firmly reject toxic forces.
We do not allow individuals to infringe upon the human rights of others, how much more should we be vigilant to prevent an entire ideology and set of cultural standards from infringing on people’s rights?
This is especially important when a group or ideology has a track record of violent oppression and forceful subjugation. Not to mention a long history of invading and imposing their system on others.
All religions are not equal
If a religion encourages and teaches people to love others, act with kindness, stand for justice, hold tight to what is true and respect others, then that is a good religion.
If a religion encourages and teaches people to hate others, to act in ways that oppress people, to lash out with violence, to be intolerant of other beliefs, to show arrogance and disrespect towards others, if it teaches its followers that lying and deceit and violence are not only permitted but encouraged if they promote the religion, then that is not a good religion.
You be the judge.