Tolerating Intolerance

Over the years, numerous tragic events serve as a reminder of the extraordinary power of extremism, both on a religious and secular level. As extremism confronts society on a daily basis, it is essential to analyze, comprehend, and define it. It is also essential to define extremism narrowly in order to avoid the danger of recklessly castigating for mere thoughts alone. Tolerating Intolerance provides readers with a focused definition of extremism, and articulates the tensions faced in casting an arbitrary, capricious net in an effort to protect society, while offering mechanisms to resolve its seemingly intractable conundrum. Professor Guiora examines extremism in six different countries: Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States through interviews with a wide range of individuals including academics, policy makers, faith leaders, public commentators, national security and law enforcement officials. This enables both an in-depth discussion of extremism in each country, and facilitates a comparative analysis regarding both religious and secular extremism. "Tolerating Intolerance is an important book that focuses on the subject of extremism, both religious and secular, while presenting interesting policy considerations. Professor Guiora further develops his ideas on free speech, national security, and tolerance in a convincing manner, placing classical questions in an entirely new light. This book is essential reading for scholars, as well as politicians and general readers interested in the central issues of our time. Well recommended." -Paul Cliteur, Professor of Jurisprudence, Leiden University, The Netherlands "In Tolerating Intolerance, Professor Guiora is unafraid to make us consider more deeply the consequences of our national semi-sacred language like 'freedom of religion' and 'freedom of speech.' As a pastor of a mainline church, Guiora's insights provoke unrest in me. However, the rise of religious extremism and the misuse of the scripture must be confronted. Moving beyond simplistic notions of individual rights, Guiora forges a compelling vision for the priority of the common good. This book engages believer and non-believer, academic, and any student of life who seeks to move beyond pat phrases and simple solutions." -Rev. Dr. John C. Lentz, Jr., Pastor, Head of Staff, Forest Hill Church, Presbyterian, Cleveland Heights, Ohio "Amos Guiora's latest book is the last in row of more fantastic books from his hand. Tolerating Intolerance should be read by everyone who wants to know how to defend our basic right freedom of speech and about where to draw the line." -Mevr. mr. L.M.J.S. Helder, Member of the Dutch Parliament, Party for Freedom, Lid Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal, Partij voor de Vrijheid (PVV)Preface ; Introduction ; 1. Defining extremism ; 2. The dangers extremism poses to society ; 3. Multiculturalism ; 4. Secular extremism and religious extremism: the differences, causes, and role of religion in fomenting extremism ; 5. The power of the internet and social media in facilitating extremist movements and ideas ; 6. Contemporary social tensions ; 7. The power of 'hate speech' and what limits should be imposed on free speech in the context of extremism ; 8. Looking forward ; Index