Tolerance is not complicity

Tolerance is not complicity

 

Marco Milani

 

It is, therefore, the duty of all sincere and devoted Spiritists to openly repudiate and disapprove, in their name, any kind of abuse that could compromise it (Spiritist Doctrine), in order not to assume responsibility for them. To condone abuses would be to become an accomplice and provide weapons to adversaries. Allan Kardec, Revue Spirite, June/1865 - New tactics of the adversaries of Spiritism.

 

If the imperfections of a person only harm themselves, there is no usefulness in divulging them. However, if they can cause harm to others, preference should be given to the interest of the greater number. Depending on the circumstances, exposing hypocrisy and lies may constitute a duty, for it is better that one person falls than many become their victims. In such cases, the sum of advantages and disadvantages must be weighed. St. Louis (Paris, 1860). The Gospel According to Spiritism, Chapter X, item 21

 

Misunderstood charity leads to silence and passivity in the face of unjust and abusive situations. Under the pretext of indulgence or tolerance, a frank and friendly word remains unspoken, and an opportunity for clarification and assistance to others is wasted. Inaction allows events to unfold, often resulting in undesirable outcomes, and anyone who had the option to correct or alert others to the mistakes but chose to remain silent is also responsible for the respective consequences.

By studying the doctrinal principles and values presented by Allan Kardec, we begin to understand the Spiritist worldview, which encourages the search for rational answers to all questions that afflict humanity, from existential matters that have always troubled humankind (who we are, where we come from, and where we are going) to those directly related to individual experiences in daily life.

Unlike monolithic religions based on unquestionable truths, Spiritism is structured on the premise of evolving ideas through the verification of facts, elegantly and soberly combining the knowledge revealed by disembodied beings with empirical knowledge. However, the dynamic nature of Spiritist doctrine requires a critical stance and coherent positioning from its followers.

The commitment of a Spiritist is, therefore, not only to their own spiritual development, achieved through the improvement of moral and intellectual aspects, but also to the very doctrine they claim to profess, as they become an example and reference.

In our current evolutionary stage, we are all still learning from one another, and it is foolish to expect perfection from anyone. However, since we are in direct relationship with various individuals and have the opportunity to contribute to doctrinal clarification when the subject under discussion is Spiritism and its principles, it is our duty to practice this act of charity whenever possible.

Naturally, enlightenment should be based on respect and a sincere desire to help. In a Spiritist center or any social environment (including virtual ones), we come into contact with people of different profiles and life experiences, but all supposedly share the doctrinal bond and the intention of spiritual progress. When confronted with any conceptual or practical inconsistency that deviates from Spiritist principles, it is up to us to determine the best way to contribute to the clarification and resolution of the problems arising from the situation. Common sense, coherence, and charity should prevail over rudeness and humiliation. Likewise, silence should not be used if other people may be harmed by confusing information or inappropriate behaviors, as tolerance may then turn into complicity.