hat factors explain medieval Islam's relatively high level of tolerance for non-believers, and did regions controlled by the Roman Catholic Church share that broad acceptance?
I think Muslims recognized the commonality of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. They were all people of the Book and trace their origins to Abraham. Medieval Muslims believed that Mohammed brought the latest word from God, while he recognized the scriptures that had gone predated him.
The Roman Catholic Church at that time was sure it held the ultimate truths and persecuted those who threatened their sense of absolute truth.
* scriptures that had predated him
The relatively high level of tolerance for non-believers in medieval Islam can be attributed to several factors:
1. Quranic Teachings: The Quran promotes respect for religious diversity and encourages Muslims to live peacefully with people of other faiths. For example, Surah Al-Kafirun (Chapter of the Disbelievers) emphasizes mutual acceptance and non-coercion in matters of religion.
2. Islamic Law: The Islamic legal framework, known as Sharia, provides guidelines for coexistence and protection of religious minorities. The dhimmi system, which emerged during the medieval period, granted legal protection and certain rights to non-Muslims living under Islamic rule.
3. Economic and Political Motivations: Islamic societies recognized the importance of economic and social stability facilitated by a diverse population. Promoting tolerance and fair treatment of religious minorities helped foster stable trade relationships and encourage intellectual and cultural exchange.
4. Historical Precedents: The early Islamic civilization had encounters with different cultures and religious groups, such as Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians. These interactions contributed to a more cosmopolitan and pluralistic outlook.
Regarding the Roman Catholic Church and regions under its control, the situation was somewhat different. While there were instances of religious tolerance, the Roman Catholic Church, as an institution, had a more restrictive approach to non-believers.
1. The Church's Role: The Catholic Church wielded significant political and religious power during the medieval period. Its primary goal was to maintain and strengthen its authority, which sometimes led to restrictive policies towards non-believers.
2. Religious Persecution: The Church, through the Inquisition and other methods, targeted individuals considered heretical or non-conformist to Catholic teachings. This led to persecution of various groups, such as Jews, Muslims, and other Christian sects, especially during periods like the Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition.
3. Limited Tolerance: While some regions under the Roman Catholic Church did display a level of tolerance towards Jews and Muslims, it often came with restrictions and conditions. For example, Jews were often subject to marginalization and segregation, and Muslims in Iberia were forced to convert or face expulsion during the Reconquista.
Overall, medieval Islam exhibited a relatively higher level of tolerance towards non-believers compared to the regions under the control of the Roman Catholic Church, which often had a more exclusivist approach to religious diversity. However, it is important to note that both contexts varied over time and across regions, and there were instances of religious tolerance and intolerance within both Islamic and Christian societies.