ArticleRecognizing Tolerance in the Bible of Christian Faith

Recognizing tolerance in the Bible/Christian faith - Every region in Indonesia consists of a plural society that comes from different backgrounds. Indonesia is rich in diversity, both from ethnicity, race, ethnicity, culture and beliefs.

With so many differences, tolerance needs to be increased. In addition, there is a need for preventive efforts to prevent conflicts from occurring, especially those related to belief/religion.

North Sulawesi has a unique and interesting story to learn about tolerance. This is because this area has a unique tradition of welcoming the holidays of each religion.

For example, during Christmas celebrations, the Muslim community plays a role in maintaining security in the church. Vice versa. In worship and on religious holidays, the people of North Sulawesi will always help with security, even though they have different beliefs so that worship can run in a conducive manner.

How can this tolerance be created? North Sulawesi has a slogan to strengthen religious tolerance and harmony.

The slogan is “Torang Samua Creation of God”, which in Indonesian means “We are All Creation of God.” This slogan does not only contain the theological aspect of acknowledging the Creator, but also a profound aspect of humanity.

This slogan is echoed not only for the relationship between humans and God, or humans and themselves. But more than that, humans are with each other. Even though it comes with differences in many things, until now tolerance between religious communities in North Sulawesi is still very well maintained.

What is Tolerance?

Before further discussing tolerance. It’s a good idea to equate the perception of tolerance first.

According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), tolerance comes from the word tolerant. Tolerance has the meaning of being tolerant (appreciating, allowing, allowing) stances (opinions, views, beliefs, habits, behavior, and so on) that are different or contradictory to one’s own views.

In general, tolerance is mutual respect and respect between groups and between individuals. Specifically, adapted from the website of the Ministry of Religion, religious tolerance is an attitude of mutual respect, mutual respect for every person’s beliefs, not imposing will, and not denouncing or insulting other religions for any reason.

What is the Urgency of Tolerance?

Here are some of the urgency of tolerance, including:

Achieving Unity and Unity

Unity is an important thing in the life of society, nation and state, without unity there will be conflict, and conflict can lead to division.

Indonesia is a pluralistic country and in the midst of this pluralism tolerance can help the community to realize unity, as stated in the 3rd precept of the Pancasila, namely “Indonesian Unity.”

Avoiding Conflict

Differences in many ways will always be a part that accompanies the journey of human life. However, there needs to be an effort so that the difference does not become a significant problem in the future.

Tolerance is very necessary in the life of society, nation and state in order to create harmony in the midst of existing diversity. Tolerance must be implemented in daily activities.

Even though it starts from small or simple things, it can cultivate tolerance and make humans as tolerant individuals. Society’s failure to tolerate can lead to conflict.

In simple terms, conflict is an interaction of opposition between two or more individuals. Common conflicts begin when individuals begin to judge their religion as better, so that it may lead to contempt for other religions.

Avoid Radicalism

From a religious point of view, radicalism is defined as a religious understanding that refers to a very basic religious foundation with very high religious fanaticism.

Actually there is nothing wrong in believing in and deepening any belief, because all religions certainly teach the goodness and values of life.

However, the notion of radicalism often makes people who adhere to this view use violence to actualize the religious views they believe in. For whatever reason, this understanding cannot be justified, because it is not good to force people, let alone use violence.

In addition, a person is not allowed to force other people to embrace a religion, other than what he believes.

The state also guarantees this, whereby everyone has the right to embrace any religion that does not conflict with their conscience. Because true religion is the business of each individual. Everyone’s business with his God.

Tolerance in the Bible or Christian faith, Christians must maintain their faith in what they believe. But also must continue to love and be tolerant of people of different beliefs.

Differences should not divide the unity that has been fought for and maintained for so long.

In Matthew 22:39 it is written, “And the second commandment is the same as that, namely: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Christians believe that the Word is God Himself (John 1:1), in the case of the law of love discussed above, God makes no exceptions for love. Believers are asked to love others as they love themselves, and there are no further words or sentences which state that love is limited to others who share the same belief, one ethnicity, one race, one tribe or one culture. Love unites many differences and embraces everyone.

”And above all: clothe yourself with love, as a bond that unites and perfects.” (Col. 3:14), believers are required to respect others, unite differences through love. God’s love enables humans to accept differences and understand that humans are not always compatible, and tolerance is a manifestation of love.

Therefore let’s start from within, for example the unity of Christians themselves. Start this and practice it at church. To create this Erista ChMS solution for church management. How could that be? Find out and try now here!