Tapestry of Faith: Faith Like a River: A Program on Unitarian Universalist History for Adults

Taking It Home: Shall We Gather at the River? Religious Tolerance

We need not think alike to love alike. — Francis David

The Unitarian Universalist faith is sometimes captured in three words: freedom, reason, and tolerance--that is, freedom to search for truth and meaning; use of reason in all matters, including religion; and tolerance of the inevitable differences that we embody as human beings. But some have suggested that "tolerance" is too low a standard for this day and age. In Diana Eck's words,

Tolerance alone does little to bridge the chasms of stereotype and fear that may, in fact, dominate the mutual image of the other ... it is far too fragile a foundation for a society that is becoming as religiously complex as ours.

In your journal, reflect: When is tolerance a goal for you, and when is it one step in the direction of something larger?

You may also choose to fill out the survey in Handout 2, Who Is Welcome in Our Congregations? as a take-home activity.