In an era where religious violence is prevalent, practicing interfaith ethics becomes increasingly important to promote peace among people of different faiths. The notion that "tolerance" is enough to achieve this goal has been challenged, with some scholars arguing for active compassion instead of mere coexistence. This change would require a shift in thinking and action towards accepting differences while also striving to understand them. In this article, I will explain what interfaith ethics are, how they differ from tolerance, and why active compassion is necessary for promoting harmony between religions.
I'll offer some examples of ways to practice active compassion in daily life.
Interfaith ethics refer to the moral principles shared across various religions, which aim to foster positive interactions and relationships between members of diverse communities. They encompass attitudes such as respect, acceptance, mutual understanding, and solidarity among people of all faiths. While it may seem like these values should be inherently present in human interaction, there can often be tension and conflict when individuals have opposing beliefs or practices. Tolerance is one approach to dealing with such issues, yet it fails to address the root causes of intolerance. It implies simply putting up with something, without taking any further action or engagement. Passive coexistence falls short of actively working toward justice and equality, failing to acknowledge the importance of seeking common ground and creating meaningful connections. Therefore, interfaith ethics must move beyond tolerance and embrace active compassion, whereby practitioners go beyond merely existing together peacefully and seek out deeper understanding and collaboration.
To practice active compassion effectively, we need to examine our own biases and preconceptions regarding other religions. We must recognize that religious differences do not invalidate the validity of others' experiences or beliefs. Instead, we must learn about different traditions and cultures to understand what makes them unique and valuable. This requires open-mindedness and willingness to listen to others' perspectives. In addition, active compassion involves advocating for social justice on behalf of those who are marginalized or discriminated against due to their religion. It means standing up for the rights of minority groups and challenging systems of oppression that perpetuate harm and inequality.
Active compassion calls us to take concrete steps towards promoting positive interactions between communities, such as volunteering at a local mosque or synagogue, attending interfaith events, or engaging in dialogue with people of different faiths.
Interfaith ethics can redefine tolerance by embracing active compassion over passive coexistence. Through this approach, we can move beyond mere acceptance and strive for true understanding, connection, and collaboration among diverse populations. By incorporating these principles into daily life, we can create a more just and equitable society where all individuals are respected and valued regardless of their background.
How can interfaith ethics redefine tolerance as active compassion rather than passive coexistence?
Interfaith ethics can redefine tolerance as active compassion by recognizing that religious differences are not just a matter of personal choice but also have social implications. By seeing faith as a shared human experience, it encourages individuals to engage with people from other religions on a deeper level and to view them as equal partners in society. This approach fosters empathy and understanding, which leads to greater respect for diversity.