Lebanon’s highest principle

We often hear that the greatest “value of Lebanon is in being the land of coexistence of Muslims and Christians”. This time the words were spoken by the Maronite cleric Boulos Matar. Though I am sure his intentions are the best, I have to object to this position. I personally find the greatest value of Lebanon should be as the country of its people; the protector of their lifestyle and a haven for them to live as they see fit. I advise for the best of everyone that we stop justifying everything in terms of religion and that we stop making Lebanon seem like something more than it needs to be. Yes, religious tolerance should be upheld without compromise, but not for some ideal of coexistence, but rather to ensure people’s freedoms are respected; regardless whether they be Christian, Muslim, or Druze; whether they believe or not; however they interpret the religion they believe in; regardless of their lifestyle. We need a state that can protect us regardless of how we choose to live our lives, so long of course we do not infringe on others’ freedoms.

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