When it Comes to Truth, Tolerance is a Travesty

Crosswalk.com ^ | August 16, 2003 | Hank Hanegraaff

[NewLand]

Q: Why are Christians so judgmental and unloving?

A: Because we live in an age of tolerance where almost anything goes, openly questioning or criticizing other people's belief systems can quickly get you labeled as judgmental, narrow-minded, bigoted, hateful, and even ignorant. With regard to Christianity, Matthew 7:1 is often quoted (or should I say "misquoted") as discouraging Christians from putting other religious teachings and practices to the test: "Judge not, that ye be not judged."

This interpretation of Scripture, however, is simply mistaken. The Bible clearly speaks out not against passing judgment in general, but against rendering inaccurate and unfair judgments (John 7:24). In 1 Corinthians 2:15 Paul tells us that Christians are called to make "judgments about all things." Our judgment, though, should not be based on what God has not revealed; but rather, on what He has revealed (v. 13).

God's revealed Word, the Bible, tells us that Jesus Christ is the only way we can possibly reach God and that there's no alternate route (Acts 4:12). It stands to reason, therefore, that other beliefs offering alleged alternate pathways to God only lead to dead-ends. And if we as Christians really want to follow our Lord's teaching to love our neighbors, we can't escape our responsibility to warn them about spiritually destructive roads paved by non-Christian belief systems (Prov. 14:12). True love and compassion should move believers to sound warning cries, even in the face of opposition, to avert countless lives from heading toward eternal separation from God.

Let's realize that when we call teachings into question, it's only because we're concerned about the eternal destinies of people. Let's also keep in mind that Scripture doesn't command us to simply rail against false teachings; rather, it encourages us to offer biblical reasons with gentleness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15). Always remember that when it comes to personal relationships, tolerance is a virtue; but when it comes to truth, tolerance is a travesty.

[NewLand]

A good perspective on an overused and now political term...tolerance.

[LiteKeeper]

A good perspective on an overused and now political term...tolerance.

One of three words that I have come to hate. The other two? "diversity" and "offended."

[Mind-numbed Robot]

What about saddened, as in "I am deeply saddened ,,,,," which is the beginning of many of little Tommy Daschle's rants.

[NewLand]

One of three words that I have come to hate. The other two? "diversity" and "offended."

YES! Especially diversity! Since the beginning of mankind, no two humans have been exactly the same. We are all diverse creatures of God. To say otherwise is an insult.

[NewLand]

"I am deeply saddened ,,,,,"

Another good one! Although in his case, I believe Daschle is actually deeply 'disturbed'...

[Elliott Jackalope]

Tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism. The mantra of the modern day Bolshevik brigades as they march in lockstep from our schools, through our government and into our living rooms.

Repeat after me, "It's for the children, it's for the chillllddddreeenn!"

[Captainpaintball]

Christains have not been "intolerant" enough, in my opinion. That's the reason the marxists have been able to gain such a foothold in this country. Every small victory they have enjoyed, every little "incremental" step they have made has been due to the blessing, permission, fear and cowardice of those who call themselves Christians. There really is a "slient majority"--and they are primarily American Christians. It's about time they WAKE UP!!!

[lafroste]

Say what? Your post is rediculous. Truely rediculous, incoherent, shallow, and parrot-like. Did you intend sarcasm tags and forget them? Or a < /humor> tag (though, bless me, I found no humor in residence there). It is difficult to believe that anyone with an IQ over 75 would actually and purposefully utter such drivelous nonsense.

[NewLand]

Maybe you should cruise over to here...

Private Club of Evolutionists

You'll feel more at home there, and they will just love having you!

[NewLand]

Christains have not been "intolerant" enough, in my opinion. That's the reason the marxists have been able to gain such a foothold in this country.

Amen. Cleary those beliefs are at odds with each other...at least Christians realize that. Too many well intentioned people still don't get it.

[NewLand]

Starting new ***PING*** list...FReepmail me if you want OFF!

[ChewedGum]

There is nothing wrong with Tolerance. The problem is with the hijacking of the meaning of the word. It actually means:

   the act of allowing something

I'm tolerant. I don't try to stamp out religions which I don't agree with. But being tolerant does not mean that you cannot have beliefs which hold that something is wrong. Killing gay people because they are gay is truly intolerant. Not agreeing with them and holding the opinion that their lifestyle is wrong is not intolerant. It is not intolerant to have a faith which believes it is the only correct one. Such an idea is held by almost all religions (except maybe Unitarianism!)

Gum

[Diva Betsy Ross]

This is what I know : There is no more intolerant a group of people who are offended by the existence of people with whom they disagree than liberals.

[LiteKeeper]

? ? ? ? ? your point?

[Aquinasfan]

There is no more intolerant a group of people who are offended by the existence of people with whom they disagree than liberals.

Bingo!

[Mind-numbed Robot]

Repeat after me - I hate tolerance, i hate everything that does not conform, i hate diversity, I hate all other cultures, I love to hate because by rejecting or deviating from my version of truth, you have originated hate which I must reciprocate.

Feel Better?

Thanks. Yes I do feel better. I am now tolerant. I will repeat this daily until I am so tolerant that I will no longer even exist. Everything goes, it doesn't matter to me. Do as you will, I am so tolerant I will not raise a finger. I am so tolerant and calm now I don't even need a bong. Sign me up and roll me over, I am done.

That is the goal of the leftist drive for tolerance isn't it?

[AndrewC]

Thanks for the ping. It is not toleration when it becomes enabling.

[Terriergal]

Yup.

[Terriergal]

nowadays tolerance means 'being so openminded that your brain leaked out.'

phrase stolen from my favorite Christian songwriter Steve Taylor...

"You think humanist philosophy is what it's all about? You're so openminded that your brain leaked out!"