You are Welcome to Try to Convert Me

I, for one, have no trouble with George Bush speaking before a group that seeks to convert Jews. Of course, I disagree with the notion that underlies the effort to convert Jews, that there is only one path to salvation or redemption by God. But my religious belief doesn’t depend on what other people think. And I care more about whether someone respects me as an individual than whether they respect my religious (or philosophical or political beliefs.) It’s a sign of respect for people as individuals that we try to reason with them and convince them of the truth as we see it. Tolerance means allowing others to speak their minds and act on their beliefs, not being wishy-washy about one’s own beliefs.