The Goals of Dialogue Grade 11 World Religions HRF3O1 Mr. Royiwsky Winter 2013
What is Tolerance?
Canadians like to think of themselves as a tolerant people, accepting that people are different and respecting those differences We tend to hesitate to interfere with the beliefs and values of others – we feel to respect others’ beliefs, we must lave them alone and never question them Some feel that to question another’s beliefs indicates a lack of respect and a refusal to accept differences
What is Tolerance? This kind of tolerance of difference is tolerance for the sake of peace – it reflects an assumption that we must do everything we can to avoid causing hard feelings or tension But tolerance doesn’t always mean agreeing with others – in fact, tolerance comes into play when there are disagreements
What is Tolerance? At such times, we do not have to act as if we agree, but, at the same time, we do not have to speak out forcefully, except when what is being promoted is intolerable, such as slavery, racism and physical or sexual abuse We practices tolerance in the face of such differences as dress, the wearing of symbols, or foods people eat
Religions Must Interact with Each Other
Religions Must Interact With Each Other Our relationship with other religions must go beyond tolerance - it is not enough to respect others and leave them in peace Religions deal with ultimate matters such as the meaning and purpose of life and one’s sense of identity Religions cannot just live side by side making absolute claims without asking questions of each other – they must interact
Religions Must Interact With Each Other So, in addition to living together and respecting each other, religions must talk with each other – the Catholic Church has done so from its beginning To understand how the Catholic Church has interacted with other religions, it is worthwhile to give a brief history of the Church’s understanding of its mission
How to Engage in Dialogue
In the simplest meaning, a dialogue is a conversation between two (2) or more people It can also mean an exchange of ideas, especially between two (2) groups of people who have very different, or even opposing, viewpoints There will be many opportunities to engage in dialogue with your classmates as you study world religions
How to Engage in Dialogue But, before you begin, remember that there are some ground rules for dialogue
How to Engage in Dialogue: Ground Rules
1.Always be respectful of another person’s point of view, even if you disagree with it
How to Engage in Dialogue: Ground Rules 2.Listen carefully to the other participants. A dialogue is conversation, not a speech
How to Engage in Dialogue: Ground Rules 3.Before you speak, wait until you are sure that the other person has finished. Then, acknowledge the validity of the other person’s point of view when you begin speaking
How to Engage in Dialogue: Ground Rules 4.Summarize the other person’s viewpoint to ensure that you have understood it. If your summary is inaccurate, then you can ask questions to clarify