One might take the view that society should be tolerant to any religion
so long as it conforms to our laws and written constitution. At first glance,
this statement seems as fit an answer as possible to the question of societal
limits to religious tolerance. Unofrtunately, if one were to consider the
matter with more caution, one would eventually see that the statement could only
be part of a greater answer. It is without a consideration of some of the
elements which constitute cults, as well as other factors, that one would falter
in devising a definitive answer to the question.
Certain followings or 'faiths' which claim to be religions that are
prevalent today are, in actuality, forms of cults. Although most of the
practices and elements common to cults are legal, they are, at best, suspect.
The following should constitute the line of telerance society should not cross.
Firstly, what distinguishes cults from religions is the manner in which
they operate. Cults are designed with a view of insulating the individual from
the rest of society. Once a member of a cult, in most cases, the individual is
removed of most (if not all) of their personal autonomy. Most decisions are
made by the cult leader, access to the outside world is often denied, and all
information about the outside world is distorted by the leader. These types of
operations should be intolerable by society.
Second, there should be no tolerance for 'religions' that espouse any
form of sacrifice, be it human or animal. Although historically, these
practices were more or less prevalent and accepted, there certainly is no place
for them in modern times.
Lastly, there should be a limit of religious tolerance with regards to
the manner in which some display their beliefs. Individuals in society should
not be subject toa ny violence or restriction of freedom as a ...