History lessons on religious tolerance and religious freedom

Abstract

This chapter explores the historical record to understand the development of religious tolerance. The examples in this chapter demonstrate that religious tolerance is possible in different social and cultural environments. History offers numerous examples of societies that moved beyond religious persecution to religious tolerance and in some cases, freedom of religion or belief. Promoting religious tolerance was often motivated by the perceived benefits that a religious minority could bring to society. These instrumental arguments, either for economic or security reasons, have echoes in contemporary times. One lesson of history is that instrumental arguments for religious tolerance can limit persecution, and therefore should be pursued. However, instrumental arguments for religious tolerance did not always result in freedom of religion or belief in the past. A more informed understanding of these different models would help Washington, civil society organizations and international organization, to develop meaningful strategies in the future.