Norman Finkelstein Quotes

Let no one challenge India's secularism.

We are a trading corporation, not a body of sectarian propagandists, and therefore discourage any intolerance.

Secularism and pluralism are two of the defining ethos of Western societies. The former decouples religion from governmental institutions whilst the latter seeks to protect the rights of all citizens to freely practice their creed.

The bedrock of this country are immigration and, really, a great separation between church and state.

Our society is pluralistic. We who accept the privilege of membership in that society agree to respect the people's right to live by their own religious precepts.

I want the French people to respect values that allow each individual to practice his or her faith, but in the frame of our common rules of secularism.

To me, the good thing about living in L.A. is diversity in lifestyle choices, color, and religion.

As far as the public is concerned, India is amazingly secular.

More and more people care about religious tolerance as fewer and fewer care about religion.

God did not burden the United States with a diversity of backgrounds, ideas and religions, He blessed America with them.

The great American tradition is one of pluralism, not exclusive secularism. The strength of our country is reflected in the contributions that we all make to the common good.

Knowledge about religions is not only characteristic of an educated person, but is also absolutely necessary for understanding and living in a world of diversity.

Freedom arises from the multiplicity of sects, which pervades America and which is the best and only security for religious liberty in any society. For where there is such a variety of sects, there can not be a majority of any one sect to oppress and persecute the rest.

Neither Pagan nor Mahometan nor Jew ought to be excluded from the civil rights of the Commonwealth because of his religion.

A secular state can offer security to Muslims since it is compatible with acknowledging that religion is important and, that in a religiously plural environment the state does not allow believers in one religious tradition to enjoy a privileged status. All are citizens with equal rights.

There's no religious test in our country, and there shouldn't be. We're an open, competitive society.

If India is not secular, then India is not India at all.

India was secular even when Muslims hadn't come here and Christians hadn't set foot on this soil. It is not as if India became secular after they came. They came with their own modes of worship, and they, too, were given a place of honor and respect. They had the freedom to worship God as per their wish and inclination.

The fact remains that secularism is inherent in the Indian system, in the Indian ethos and culture. India cannot but be secular.

We have to reappropriate the concept of laicite (secularism) so we can explain to our young pupils that whatever their faith, they belong to this idea, and they're not excluded. Secularism is not something against them; it protects them.

I cannot discriminate on the basis of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian.

India's pluralism is its greatest strength and its greatest example to the world.

There will be many fine and wonderful men and women of all races and creeds-and of no religious creeds at all-who will lead decent and useful lives.

One of the great strengths of the United States is... we have a very large Christian population - we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.

We from every religion feel comfortable in Britain because there is a host. The Church of England is a good host, it has been a major force in shaping England into such a tolerant society.