Webster's Dictionary defines TOLERANCE as "to allow" or "to permit". The word implies an asymmetric relationship in which one side is entitled to allow or permit another to do something; it does not speak of equality but of asymmetry and inequality. Acceptance of other people's rights, on the other hand, would mean to recognize that nobody has the right to decide if somebody is entitled or not entitled to be themselves. A truly just society must strive to embrace differences rather than "tolerating" them. In my book, being a "tolerant" person or group is not exactly a compliment...

As for all religious beliefs being the same, I will quote from the Talmud: "Many rivers feed the sea of Halacha" (Pirkei Avot). This means that there are many alternative paths to get to the same place, and each of those paths is different, even if they all arrive to the same place. The Talmud refers exclusively to Judaism, since Halacha is Jewish religious law, but the same principle can be expanded to encompass the idea of completely different religious beliefs built upon completely different articles of faith. Considering that as Human beings we are not privy to the reality or unreality of a Divine being, we cannot even be certain whether there is one. Atheistic Humanism as well as all forms of religious beliefs are systems of ideas which help us to define "right" and "wrong", as a way to find common ground with those living in our society and to enable us to find ways to relate to each other and work together to improve our society. Yet it is in the variety of beliefs, religious or otherwise, where the richness and diversity of our lives really flourishes. The world would be a lot more colorless and flat without those differences.

Being different is not wrong, and does not make us better or worse than others - just different; and we need to treat others in a way that is mindful of our inability to know ultimately which belief system, if any, is really right or wrong. Each of us must choose our own path, one that works for us. Mine is Judaism; I encourage you to choose your own and join me in the chorus...