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Is tolerance really a virtue?

September 18, 2026 · 55 min

Show notes

Rulers throughout history have used tolerance and intolerance in their pursuit of power.

In our modern context, tolerance is often lauded as an unqualified good, but are there limitations? Should we extend tolerance to those who commit acts of violence?

In the first of two episodes on the rise and fall of tolerance, God Forbid looks at the religious roots of tolerance and intolerance.

Can lessons of the past be applied today, in an increasingly divided world?

GUESTS:

Shaun Blanchard, Senior Lecturer in Theology, Notre Dame University.

Jürgen Overhoff, Professor of the History of Educational, University of Münster, Germany.

Francisco (Paco) Garcia-Serrano, Professor of History, Saint Louis University, Madrid.

This program was made on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation

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