If religion is suppose to be tolerant then why were people punished under act of blasphamy and heresy?
138872
What a wondeful question! Look at the Spanish Inqusition, look at what they did to convert the Mayas and Aztecs, look at what was done to the Indians here in the USA by the pilgrims, all in the name of God, yeah right!
67680
Your question make sense to me: A tolerant person must accept the intolerant and intolerance. Doubt is the basis for any tolerance. But from there to accept that they suppress other persons and do wrong to them because of intolerance, is a big step.
1086409
I sin every day, and I'm not so insecure about death that I have to go sit in a box with some priest, and beg for forgiveness while he reads a magazine on the other side. Everyone tells lies... It's human nature. Organized religion, the bible, and the ridiculous concept of a deity was created by man for the sole purpose of control. The same reason why Santa Claus was created for children to be on their best behavior. Out of all the religions, I'd have to say through personal experience that Christianity is quite possibly the worst with tolerance, and the acceptance of others with differing beliefs. In their mind, they see their "way" as the only way, and they'll refuse to see differently, so they'll spout rhetoric and scripture as a means to intimidate, and convert others. Hence, why the word "Christianize" exists.
142878
Well, because Hinduism is not an extension of Judaism which introduces a bordeline personality as "the" god. Monotheism of the Judeo Christian and Muslim tradition is an intolerant God who hates competition and preached for and against intolerance . \n\nSo the moral duty of the believers are dependent on their moods, if they don't feel like being tolerant or understanding of others they declare a jihad on you, form crusades, become zealots. \n\nBut when they're in the "wise" mood, they turn the other cheek. When they turn the other cheek make sure you hit them so hard that they drop the fale act and show who they are. An a hole pretending to be kind should not be tolerated under no circumstances.
965671
Because the only thing that is not being tolerated is intolerance of sin.  Go figure huh?
785350
some religions may not accept such beliefs.
262936
All beliefs should be open to scrutiny, otherwise they just become dogma. Enforced dogma is totalitarianism and repression. It can happen anywhere where free (respectable) speech is stifled. To maintain that one can't ask a respectable question about another religion is simply engendering fear. To maintain that they MY god is above questioning but YOURS isn't, is essentailly a circular argument that takes us nowhere. To maintain that my question insults your god (and that this involves punishment to me) is simply barbaric. I am happy to discuss all of my views with ANYBODY that doesn't intimidate or threaten me.
1136018
I understand what you are saying.Some people do not want to offend. For example, in a class of 35 students, maybe five will be from a home with married parents.Some immoral people defend their action by saying that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.Whether you lie,steal, murder fornicate,commit murder, adultery or homosexual acts, all is sin and intolerable to God. When a person recognizes his/her sinful condition and is convicted,there is repentance.People like those who will overlook their faults, so they do not like to listen to sound doctrine.Besides,many believe the Ten Commandments went out with the Old Testament and we are in a new dispensation or the New Testament.This is why it is important to know what you believe and be an example of the believer in thought,words and action.
582184
Throughout history people have been fighting over religion. It is very unfortunate
683536
God is spirit and don't forget he said to obey the government. People were to follow the laws-rather they liked it or not-unless it went against him. This does not fit into that category. Which I am sure you will pick  on a few scriptures and not the whole-which must harmonize.
321019
Ibn Warraq put it, "Historically speaking, Monotheism has often shown itself to be ferociously intolerant, in contrast to polytheism on behalf of which religious wars have never been waged."\n\n“Christians see it as their duty to save the soul of the non-believer, who is seen as inferior. Such religions are inherently predatory and destructive of the cultural systems that they encounter in their role as the aggressor.”\n\n\nChristian churches have formed terrorist organisation in non christian countries. In north east India they have been using all methods for conversion including conversions at gun point. In some states they have literally banned practising hinduism in last four years. 20 hindus were killed only in 2001 for not converting.\n\nOnce they get considerable number of converts they turn more aggressive and resort to more violent tactics, They have been trying to break india and make a separate christian nation now. Thats the fruit we got for being tolerant and giving them freedom to practice their religion. I gave you just a glimpse.\n\nI was surprised by people who answered your question by refering to history. \n\nIt is intersting to see that many christians are blissfully unaware of these facts!Or is it wishfull blindness?
520179
Hardly ... it is not religion that is to blame ... but sick individuals that cause the problems. Anyone can use any excuse they want to do bad things, but that doesn't make them a legitamate representative of the religion, philosophy, social movement ... etc, etc, etc.
832103
Blasphemy is not a crime.  It is some silliness made up by the humans who wrote the various versions of the bible.  It serves the purpose of controlling people via guilt and fear.
1093570
Religious freedom for some, religious persecution for others.
586768
The clergy had the power to do such things/and such as many do today got mixed up in politics. Clergy with 'power' are not supposed to be a part of Christianity. As you know the common people were not even allowed to possess a bible at that time. Better to keep the people terrified and ignorant is you like your 'position.'\n\nI realize that many of those tortured were Jewish or accused of being Jewish as they were good merchants. It was  mostly about GREED and POWER- not very different from what rules the world today.\n\nThey were obviously not true followers of Christ. Christianity is about equality and love of your neighbor.  We are all supposed to be equal in God's eyes.
944197
No one here has even attempted to address "appropriate penalty" which to me is a very vague and liberal phrase and can mean that any official of the Church can devise any penalty at any point in time as they so deem to be appropriate, which could be a slap on the knukles with a ruler as was once done, a slap on the face, as was once done, burning at the stake, which was once done.  Anything.  They would, however, have to obey the laws of a given land or be in violation of the conspiracy laws.
267917
Because there is something seriously wrong with all people who consider themselves conservative christiians, and any other religion for that matter. No matter how high and mighty they think they are, everyone is flawed, and religion causes war.