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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Toleration: Religions</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/naves/t/toleration--religions.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/micah/4-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/t/toleration.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Toleration</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/t/toleration.htm" title="Toleration">◄</a> Toleration: Religions <a href="/topical/t/toll.htm" title="Toll">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#nav" title="Nave's Topical Index">Nave's</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Toleration, in the context of religions, refers to the allowance and acceptance of differing religious beliefs and practices. Within the biblical narrative, the concept of toleration is nuanced, reflecting both the exclusivity of worshiping the one true God and the call to love and respect others, even those of different faiths.<br><br><b>Old Testament Context</b><br><br>In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to worship Yahweh exclusively. The First Commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a>), underscores the exclusivity of worship demanded by God. The Israelites were often warned against adopting the religious practices of surrounding nations, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30-31</a>, where they are cautioned not to inquire about other gods, lest they be ensnared by them.<br><br>Despite this exclusivity, there are instances where the Old Testament reflects a broader understanding of God's sovereignty over all nations. For example, the prophet Jonah was sent to Nineveh, a non-Israelite city, to call them to repentance (<a href="/jonah/1.htm">Jonah 1:1-2</a>). This indicates a recognition of God's concern for all peoples, not just Israel.<br><br><b>New Testament Context</b><br><br>The New Testament expands on the theme of toleration through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus' interactions with Samaritans and Gentiles, such as the Samaritan woman at the well (<a href="/john/4-7.htm">John 4:7-26</a>) and the Roman centurion (<a href="/matthew/8-5.htm">Matthew 8:5-13</a>), demonstrate a breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan (<a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25-37</a>) further illustrates the call to love and show mercy beyond one's own religious or ethnic group.<br><br>The apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, encountered diverse religious beliefs and practices. In <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Acts 17:22-23</a>, Paul addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus, acknowledging their religiosity and using it as a starting point to proclaim the Gospel. While Paul does not condone idolatry, he engages with the culture respectfully, seeking common ground to introduce the truth of Christ.<br><br><b>Christian Conduct and Toleration</b><br><br>The New Testament encourages believers to live peaceably with others, as far as it depends on them (<a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>). This includes showing respect and kindness to those of different faiths. In <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15-16</a>, Christians are instructed to be prepared to give an answer for their hope, but to do so with gentleness and respect.<br><br>The early church faced persecution and was often in the minority, which required a balance between holding firm to the faith and living in a pluralistic society. The call to love one's neighbor (<a href="/mark/12-31.htm">Mark 12:31</a>) and to pray for those who persecute (<a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a>) reflects a spirit of toleration that does not compromise the truth of the Gospel.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>While the Bible upholds the exclusivity of worshiping the one true God, it also calls for a respectful and loving engagement with those of different religious beliefs. This balance is seen in the life and teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who modeled a way of living that honors God while showing compassion and respect to all people.<a name="nav" id="nav"></a><div class="vheading2">Nave's Topical Index</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/context/micah/4-4.htm">Micah 4:4,5</a></span><br>But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken it.<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/context/mark/9-38.htm">Mark 9:38-40</a></span><br>And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him, because he follows not us.<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/context/luke/9-49.htm">Luke 9:49,50</a></span><br>And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name; and we forbade him, because he follows not with us.<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/acts/17-11.htm">Acts 17:11</a></span><br>These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/acts/28-31.htm">Acts 28:31</a></span><br>Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/context/romans/14-1.htm">Romans 14:1</a></span><br>Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations.<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/context/1_corinthians/10-28.htm">1 Corinthians 10:28-32</a></span><br>But if any man say to you, This is offered in sacrifice to idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof:<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/hayward/the_book_of_religions/roger_williams.htm"><span class="l">Roger Williams.</span></a> <br>The Book of <b>Religions</b>. <b>...</b> He maintained that the magistrates were bound to grant <b>toleration</b><br> to all sects of Christians, and in his actions and words avowed the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/roger williams.htm</font><p><a href="/library/schaff/history_of_the_christian_church_volume_i/section_2_branches_of_church.htm"><span class="l">Branches of Church History.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> being assailed from without by the followers of false <b>religions</b>, the church <b>...</b> gradual<br> progress of the truly Christian spirit of religious <b>toleration</b> and freedom. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 2 branches of church.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hayward/the_book_of_religions/john_clarke.htm"><span class="l">John Clarke.</span></a> <br>The Book of <b>Religions</b>. <b>...</b> His noble sentiments respecting religious <b>toleration</b> did not,<br> indeed, accord with the sentiments of the age in which he lived, and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/john clarke.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hayward/the_book_of_religions/mennonites_or_harmless_christians.htm"><span class="l">Mennonites, or Harmless Christians.</span></a> <br>The Book of <b>Religions</b>. <b>...</b> They all unite in pleading for <b>toleration</b> in religion, and<br> debar none from their assemblies who lead pious lives, and own the Scriptures <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../hayward/the book of religions/mennonites or harmless christians.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hayward/the_book_of_religions/john_locke.htm"><span class="l">John Locke.</span></a> <br>The Book of <b>Religions</b>. <b>...</b> His "Essay on Human Understanding," his "Discourses on<br> Government," and his "Letters on <b>Toleration</b>," are justly held in the highest esteem <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/john locke.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hayward/the_book_of_religions/presbyterians.htm"><span class="l">Presbyterians.</span></a> <br>The Book of <b>Religions</b>. <b>...</b> first settled in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, was<br> undoubtedly this"that in these places they found <b>toleration</b>, and equal <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/presbyterians.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hayward/the_book_of_religions/harmonists.htm"><span class="l">Harmonists.</span></a> <br>The Book of <b>Religions</b>. <. <b>...</b> plan. They profess the Protestant religion,<br> but admit of universal <b>toleration</b>. They cultivate <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/harmonists.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hayward/the_book_of_religions/mendaeans_mendaites_mendai_ijahi_or.htm"><span class="l">Mendaeans, Mendaites, Mendai Ijahi, or Disciples of St. John, that <b>...</b></span></a> <br>The Book of <b>Religions</b>. <b>...</b> John"a name which they probably received from the Turks, and<br> to which they contentedly submit for the sake of the <b>toleration</b> it affords <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../hayward/the book of religions/mendaeans mendaites mendai ijahi or.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hayward/the_book_of_religions/christian_connection.htm"><span class="l">Christian Connection.</span></a> <br>The Book of <b>Religions</b>. <b>...</b> that the Scriptures only should be consulted as a rule of<br> faith and duty, and that all Christians should enjoy universal <b>toleration</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/christian connection.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hayward/the_book_of_religions/unitarians.htm"><span class="l">Unitarians.</span></a> <br>The Book of <b>Religions</b>. <. <b>...</b> in the hearts of men. They advocate<br> the most perfect <b>toleration</b>. They regard CHARITY as the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/unitarians.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/John-Owen.html">Who was John Owen? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/branches-of-Christianity.html">What are the origins of the various branches of Christianity? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/pastoral-restoration.html">Can restoration occur after a pastor has been caught in a scandal? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/toleration.htm">Toleration: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/t/toleration.htm">Toleration</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/t/toleration--religions.htm">Toleration: Religions</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/custom.htm">Custom (51 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/impose.htm">Impose (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/impost.htm">Impost (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/promptly.htm">Promptly (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tribute.htm">Tribute (67 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/duty.htm">Duty (90 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nethinim.htm">Nethinim (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pay.htm">Pay (212 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/paid.htm">Paid (86 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/taxing.htm">Taxing (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tax.htm">Tax (43 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/y/yes.htm">Yes (511 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/y/yea.htm">Yea (867 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/noticed.htm">Noticed (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/levy.htm">Levy (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/governing.htm">Governing (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/impaired.htm">Impaired (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/toleration.htm">Toleration (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/trans.htm">Trans (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tax-gatherer.htm">Tax-gatherer (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a 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href="/topical/c/customer.htm">Customer (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/anticipated.htm">Anticipated (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/strangers.htm">Strangers (95 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/spake.htm">Spake (704 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rebuilt.htm">Rebuilt (47 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/inform.htm">Inform (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/commerce.htm">Commerce (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/porters.htm">Porters (34 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/speak.htm">Speak (855 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/countries.htm">Countries (86 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/singers.htm">Singers (41 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/builded.htm">Builded (65 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a 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href="/topical/p/province.htm">Province (66 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hosea.htm">Hosea (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hurtful.htm">Hurtful (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/length.htm">Length (135 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kings.htm">Kings (350 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/touching.htm">Touching (121 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/royal.htm">Royal (154 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sons.htm">Sons (2429 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/king.htm">King (25505 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/simon.htm">Simon (75 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kingdom.htm">Kingdom (409 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter (181 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a 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