The spirit of co-existence and tolerance that has characterized Hinduism from ancient times has its parallel today in the freedom of religious worship that is guaranteed under our constitution. So much so that it has been ingrained into our minds that religious tolerance equals secularism. Before proceeding further with our discussion we shall examine the oft repeated statement that all religions have mutual respect for each other. This seems natural as we are told that all religions lead to a common goal - unity with the Supreme. These thoughts are indeed ennobling.
Respect is defined as high opinion or regard for a high quality.
In itself it implies recognition of superiority in the thing that is respected. One cannot have respect for something inferior. When a member of one religion says that he respects another religion, he obviously does not recognise the other religion as superior to his own. What we imply by the term respect is tolerance and non-interference as regards other religions. Again, if one religion respects other religions, there would be no conversions into that religion.