The Myth of Tolerance - by Gregory Koukl
I came across this article the other day and just had to print it off and read it. It explains something I believe in more clearly than I have ever been able to explain in myself. This article is something EVERYONE should have to read.
In my lifetime, I have been accused of being intolerant by non-Christians for my Christian beliefs. I’ve also been accused of being too tolerant by other Christians who feel they have the right to force their values on the rest of the world. Neither accusation is correct because they are based on a false definition of tolerance.
Many people believe that anyone who does not accept their opinion, or dares to speak out against their opinion, is intolerant. But, isn’t their refusal to accept the other’s opinion just as intolerant? Therein lies the false definition. Tolerance is NOT accepting someone else’s view. If you accept their view, you don’t need tolerance. Tolerance is accepting another’s RIGHT to have a different opinion as well as their right to voice that opinion while still being able to treat them with dignity and respect.
I, personally, believe in the Biblical view that homosexuality is wrong. However, I have an uncle who is gay and an aunt who is a lesbian. I love them both dearly. I also love the people they have chosen as their “life partners.” They are all wonderful people and I can’t imagine my life without them as part of it. My view that their chosen lifestyle is morally wrong does not change my ability to love, respect, and have a relationship with them. I “tolerate” their right to make their own choices and they “tolerate” my religious views. We chose not to judge each other for our views.
I’ve tried many times in the past and even in some of my recent entries here to explain how I can have my religious beliefs and still believe in another’s right to choose, whether that choice involves homosexuality, abortion, or whatever moral choice someone may be facing. God gave each one of us the right to accept or reject Him and His laws. God also tells us to love everyone, even our enemies. That is tolerance! Being able to love and respect while still giving the right to choose.
Believing that homosexuality and abortion is wrong is not intolerance. Accusing me of intolerance, denying me the right to form and voice my own opinion, and trying to force me to accept your opinion as the only right one IS intolerance.
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