Essay On Religious Intolerance

Religious Intolerance Religious intolerance is the “unwillingness or refusal to tolerate or respect opinions or beliefs contrary to one’s own” (intolerance). Difference in religious beliefs within one country has caused conflicts between people. Although nowadays many countries respect one’s religion, there are still some countries such as North Korea, Japan, and Pakistan where religious intolerances are still practiced. Since 1945, Kim Il Sung strongly promoted the anti-religious policies. As a result, by 1955, all religious groups and religious ceremonies in North Korea either disappeared or were hidden underground. Kim Il Sung, under the influence of communist religion views, believed that religious intolerance is necessary for three main

Japan’s religious belief, which is shown through the shrines, Buddhist temples, and people’s beliefs, is based on ancestor worship, which is most close to the belief of Buddhism. Therefore, their belief naturally led Japan to become a Buddhist country. However, in 1549, Christianity was first introduced in Japan by Francisco de Xavier. During that time period, considering the benefit of trading with Western countries, many Japanese favored Western civilization, and the number of people converting to Christianity went over 70 million. However, in 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was first friendly towards Christianity, deported missionaries to prohibit Western civilization from invading the country. Since then, persecution against Christians became widespread in Japan

Those kids, who are educated in countries with religious intolerance, are taught and learned at an early age. Therefore, they may not be aware of the problems. People around the world should feel responsible for teaching those kids what religious freedom is and that they have the right to choose their religion. If not, those kids will grow up and repeat the cycle of religious intolerance. Moreover, people who are against religious tolerance need to change their attitude and respect other religions. Without understanding, the vicious cycle of religious intolerance will never