Tolerance

Is it true tolerance is a virtue?  Well, tolerance requires differing viewpoints before we can be tolerance.  We can’t be “tolerant” of ideas we like or if only one view is allowed.    

When we prohibit other beliefs, the result is intolerance, even fascism.   Antifa and similar groups attempt to squelch all views but theirs.  That’s the opposite of anti-fascism. 

The Reverend Martin Luther King and Simone de Beauvoir crusaded for views contrary to American standards of the time.  While there was violence involved, the true transformation came from discussion, analysis, and acceptance of those ideas.  America’s mind was changed.  Nice example to follow, don’t you think?

But, America’s marketplace of ideas is becoming less tolerant – less willing to discuss beliefs.  I’m sure you’ve heard “old white men are ruining America” in political speeches and commentaries.  I have.  That statement is racist, ageist, sexist, and intolerant.  But, no one seems to hear.  Imagine if a politician or talking head were to say the equally intolerant, “young black women are ruining America.”  Intolerance has become acceptable, and few are noticing.

When speakers like Ben Shapiro visit university campuses, students “valiantly arise to prevent intolerant views from being expressed.”  They’re intolerant of intolerance?  Funny, huh?   No one seems to teach students to think critically anymore.

Many accuse Christians as being intolerant.  When we say no one is saved without Jesus or that the Bible is true, we’re not intolerant any more that claiming 2+2=4..  We are only intolerant if we try to silence the opinion of others.

We can discuss opposing views with those who hold those views.  We can tell them why we think we’re right and why we believe they’re wrong.  We can even walk away and not listen to them.  No one says we have to listen.  It’s when we actively try to keep them from expressing their views we become intolerant.

Jesus tried to convince the Jewish leaders in John chapter 8 that they were wrong, but He never tried to shut them down.  Today, He works the same way.  He is tolerant of those who hold opposing views to Christianity.  He doesn’t try to keep them from expressing their views.  Many of the letters of Paul in the New Testament dealt with outsiders trying to influence the views of Christians.  Paul’s response was to watch out for those false teachers but never to keep them from sharing their views.

True, Paul did become intolerant of the actions of some.  We are all intolerant of the actions of others.  We are intolerant of child molesters, murders, human traffickers, etc.  But, it is the beliefs of others we are to allow.  We are not to allow for evil actions.

So, how do you and I react to someone who disagrees with us?  Are we tolerant of what they have to say? Or, are we generating a lot of heat with very little light?  Let’s look closer to home.  The problem may be us.