Intolerance and hatred - Wrong and needlessly divisive

ONE of the great questions about humanity is the one that wonders why we believe what we believe.

Most religious beliefs are inherited and accepted by generation after generation without the kind of rigorous questioning that precedes far less significant decisions. Very many of us accept our parents’ religious beliefs with far less consideration than we would give to buying a new car. Such is human nature; the power of love, example and cultural security – peer pressure too – overcome doubt or the impulse to question.

Naturally someone who believes in something will insist that they believe in an idea because it is true even though others might consider it bizarre and irrational.