Definition of the word toleration

The word "toleration" originated in the 16th century, during a time when religious persecution was common across Europe. It was coined to describe the willingness of a dominant religious group to allow minority faiths to peacefully coexist without attempting to convert or eradicate them. The concept of toleration emerged in response to the violence and intolerance of the Counter-Reformation, a period of Catholic religious reformation that followed the Protestant Reformation. It gained particular visibility during the English Civil War, where Puritans, Quakers, and other non-conformist religious groups faced persecution from the Anglican Church and the monarchy. John Locke's famous "Letter Concerning Toleration" (1689) provided a philosophical justification for toleration, arguing that individuals have an inherent right to practice their faith as long as it does not harm others. This principle, which became a cornerstone of American and European political systems, transformed the meaning of toleration from a reluctant acceptance of religious differences to a fundamental right guaranteed by law. Today, the word "toleration" continues to evolve, as it is used more broadly to describe the acceptance of differences in race, culture, and sexuality, among other things.