Early Bible translator William Tyndale, just before being burnt at the stake, from this woodcut from an early edition of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.Toleration and tolerance are terms used in social, cultural and religious contexts to describe attitudes which are “tolerant” (or moderately respectful) of practices or group memberships that may be disapproved of by those in the majority. In practice, “tolerance” indicates support for practices that prohibit ethnic and religious discrimination. Conversely, ‘intolerance’ may be used to refer to the discriminatory practices sought to be prohibited. Though developed to refer to the religious toleration of minority religious sects following the Protestant Reformation, these terms are increasingly used to refer to a wider range of tolerated practices and groups, or of political parties or ideas widely considered objectionable.[1]

The concept of toleration is controversial. For one, “toleration” does not rise the level of an actual principle or ethic, such as other concepts (respect, reciprocity, love) do. Liberal critics may see in it an inappropriate implication that the “tolerated” custom or behavior is an aberration or that authorities have a right to punish difference; such critics may instead emphasise notions such as civility, pluralism, or respect. Other critics may regard a narrow definition of ‘tolerance’ as more useful, since it does not require a false expression of enthusiasm for groups or practices which are genuinely disapproved of.

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