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]

"...the Tolerance people are in reality the MOST INTOLERANT people in the United STates."

By far. There is more proof of that everyday. One thing I love to do is to take their words and just replace a 'special interest group' they use with 'Christian' or 'American' or 'Republican' and see how much they like it.

The response is usually total avoidance or denial. I love it!!!

[NewLand]

If you've been following what has been happening to the evolution threads, you'd notice how the new tolerance is only one-way: You have to tolerate me and my unpleasant behaviors but I don't have to tolerate you.

I call it 'The Dark Shadows' of FR. Actually, I have become 'intolerant' of the nonsense. :-)

[NewLand]

That was an exercise in futility, wasn't it?

Unless you've been lurking recently (I haven't seen your name there in a while) it has gotten totally out of control. Their PHoney leader is twisted.

[NewLand]

Are those the guys teaching that course in Michigan? :-(

[NewLand]

You noticed that too? Funny how that works...

Do you think Katie Couric feels that way? :-)

[gore3000]

Not agreeing with them and holding the opinion that their lifestyle is wrong is not intolerant.

Well put. I must also say that looking the other way at evil only breeds more evil.

[Dataman]

it has gotten totally out of control. Their PHoney leader is twisted.

They made their own pig pen. Let them wallow in it.

[txzman]

A Pastor I know reminded me to always use a "rake" versus a "shovel" when spreading the Word. He meant to sift carefully and pull with attraction rather than dump all over someone.

[goodseedhomeschool (returned)]

I would like to be on your ping list. Thank you.

[goodseedhomeschool (returned)]

It seems that Christians are the only ones not tolerated these days.

[NewLand]

They made their own pig pen. Let them wallow in it.

oink, oink...soooooey! LOL!!!

[NewLand]

Glad to have you!!!

[NewLand]

A Pastor I know reminded me to always use a "rake" versus a "shovel" when spreading the Word.

That's a good one for me to remember...my passion has me reaching for a shovel too often. Thanks!

[NewLand]

I just re-read your post and realized I misunderstood (probably just reading too fast)...sorry. Please forgive my earlier comment.

[goodseedhomeschool (returned)]

Thank you. Very glad to be here. This is a much kinder thread than the evo threads over there.

[Old Professer]

I was reading something in the paper today and a person named was identified as being a teacher of tolerance; I am still trying to get my hands around that one - I mean, what does she do if someone fails the course, ignore it?

[NewLand]

I mean, what does she do if someone fails the [tolerance] course, ignore it?

LOL!!! But I'll bet those tolerance teachers are very intolerant toward those who don't follow in lock step (goose step) with them.

[savagesusie]

People have become confused between the words 'tolerance' and 'acceptance'.

The 'children' have been brainwashed in the schools for 30 years now--to be tolerant--to not judge--and that all diversity is good (except for Orthodox Judaism and Christianity which are intolerant and evil).