SONGSOPTOK: To what extent do you
practice ‘religious tolerance’? Since when (how long ago)?
STEVE BAKER: I try to convert no one and never have.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you believe all religions
are the same?
STEVE BAKER: Obviously they are not.
SONGSOPTOK: In case you practice religion, do you
consider all your religious beliefs to be true? What about those of others?
STEVE BAKER: I don’t consider any religious views to be
true.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you believe that all faiths are equally
beneficial and equally harmless to society?
STEVE BAKER: No. Buddhism and Native American religions
obviously have more respect for humans, animals, and the earth.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you believe all religious groups are
equally beneficial and equally harmless to their followers?
STEVE BAKER: Not in any way, shape, or form!
SONGSOPTOK: Should members of any given religious group
refrain from criticizing religious practices of others?
STEVE BAKER: No, I believe freedom of speech should be
utmost! Salman Rushdie said it best.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you usually refrain from talking about
your beliefs to others? Should you be ignoring your own religious ideas?
STEVE BAKER: I often talk and write about religion,
spirituality, and atheism.
SONGSOPTOK: What are the different ways
religious tolerance, including secularism, can help (or hurt) the demands of a
complex world?
STEVE BAKER: Again, freedom
should be utmost – freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Whether that
helps of hurts the demands of a complex world I do not know.
SONGSOPTOK: Should ‘religious tolerance’ be a part of the
school curricula?
STEVE BAKER: Tolerance of others should be taught.
SONGSOPTOK: Religious acceptance and bigotry appear to be
the two sides of a coin (unbiased). People are equally likely to choose one
over the other. Do you agree with that observation? Please explain.
STEVE BAKER: No, I think, when it gets down to it, bigotry
rules. Our DNA is little changed from when we were tribal hunters.
We sincerely thank you
for your time and hope we shall have your continued support.
Subhodev
Das
(Chief Advisor: Songsoptok)
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