Religious freedom depends on social traditions such as tolerance and respect for difference. These values are deeply engrained in American culture. There is a reason that those seeking re
ligious freedom came, and continue to come, to our shores. It should not be surprising that the United States, which once thought of itself as a Christian country, has become the most religiously diverse nation the world has ever seen.
But there are countervailing forces at work. Alongside our tradition of tolerance and open-mindedness, our culture also has a disturbing undercurrent of intolerance and closed-mindedness. This, too, is part of our history. Many who came here seeking freedom denied it to others once they were in power. And while we readily welcome newcomers, we are often suspicious of those who are different. This tendency gets stronger in times of crisis. Since September 11, our cultural climate has shifted from one of relative openness and generosity toward one of increased suspicion and fear. When fear takes us over, we may find ourselves willing to sacrifice our most precious liberties in the hope that this will make us safer. Religious liberty is not exempt from this attitude. A 2004 Cornell University survey indicates that nearly half of all Americans favor restricting some basic liberties for Muslim Americans.
Intolerance not only undermines religious freedom, it weakens our democracy. As Professor Diana Eck, director of Harvard University’s Pluralism Project, says: “Democracy doesn’t function well if you’re afraid of your neighbors.” We must continually reaffirm our core values of tolerance, open-mindedness, and mutual respect. This re
quires education and familiarity. A July 2005 survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reveals that people who are familiar with Islam’s basic beliefs are more likely to hold favorable opinions about Islam and Muslim-Americans. They are also more likely to see common ground between Islam and their own religions. Knowledge helps overcome fear. This is why the Center is committed to education and interfaith dialogue as means of fostering religious freedom and overcoming religious intolerance.