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Tolerance of Religious Beliefs
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Shelly Weaver
6/13/2013
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Shelly Weaver
Deborah Dickey
English 101
June 13, 2013
Tolerance of Religious Beliefs
Voltaire makes his argument for religious tolerance on the belief that all mankind are children of the same father and creatures of the same God. The beliefs that are taught to Christians are those of the exact same basis. If we are all ultimately from the same God and creator then there is no reason why we should not be tolerant of the wide range and versions of religion that go along with many cultures on the same planet however, this does not mean it is something which can be obtained without confrontation and condemnation among people. Voltaire had a depth about him and an ability to see just how trivial and self-centered people really are no matter where in the world they may live and this has not changed or evolved over time.
Voltaire states, “This little globe is no more than a dot, that spins through space the same as countless other globes, and we are lost in this immense vastness” (Voltaire 679). In our crazy busy lives we tend to forget to think about how many other things are sharing this universe with us at the same time. Even so many years ago Voltaire believes in the possibility of worlds other than planet Earth showing how he was a man before his time. Voltaire’s point about arrogance was validated by saying, “There are nine hundred million little ants like us on Earth, but my anthill alone is dear to God; all other are a source of disgust to him for all eternity; mine alone will know happiness, and all others will be forever miserable.”(Voltaire 679) Christians are not taught to think they are better than others but human nature tends to make them act as if they are better than those who do not share in the same beliefs and God. To demonstrate tolerance a person would need to be, “fair, objective, and have a permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices,...