[Intolerant] tolerance?
This week we had renown apologetic Pat Zukeran come to KI to speak on a wide array of Apologetic topics. As a Christian, the questions I usually get concerning my faith will fall into one of these topics. The topic that stuck out the most and one that I think is most prevalent in the world today is TOLERANCE.
When you think of tolerance what comes to mind? Race? Religion? Sexual orientation? All of the above? As a society we have collectively agreed that everyone should be accepted and equal and are willing to fight for everyone to get that chance. But what if the quest for unity is actually further dividing us?
One thing I learned was that we have created a new definition for tolerance that does not coincide with its original meaning. Let me explain.
True Tolerance
The true definition of tolerance is to recognize and respect others beliefs and practices without sharing them. In other words individuals are agreeing to value and respect each others beliefs and practices without having to approve of or participate in each others beliefs and behaviors. In order for this to occur both parties must agree to the three pillars of true tolerance.
Seems simple enough right? For many people this is the definition we all think we live up to and follow. Unfortunately in today's society they follow this ideal know as New Tolerance.
New Tolerance
Now for many people, this idea doesn't sound bad at all. A world where everyone is right and no one is wrong sounds awesome. Nobody'd feelings will ever get hurt and everyone is free to do what they wish, no questions asked. If you ask me this presents several issues.
Takeaways
Knowing what I know now it is more important than ever that I understand my duty and right to stand up for what I believe in. However, it is important for me to be respectful of others and be willing to listen to what they have to say. As a Christian, I will face much criticism from others. Ill be judged for adhering to my truth and not accepting other peoples truths as my own (new tolerance). However, it has strengthened my faith in what I know to be Truth - the Word of God [2 Tim. 3:16].
I am more than willing to sit down with non-believers and have a civil conversation with out assuming that just because we have different viewpoints, we must be mortal enemies. I will follow the original idea of tolerance and seek the Truth that is worth finding.
When you think of tolerance what comes to mind? Race? Religion? Sexual orientation? All of the above? As a society we have collectively agreed that everyone should be accepted and equal and are willing to fight for everyone to get that chance. But what if the quest for unity is actually further dividing us?
One thing I learned was that we have created a new definition for tolerance that does not coincide with its original meaning. Let me explain.
True Tolerance
The true definition of tolerance is to recognize and respect others beliefs and practices without sharing them. In other words individuals are agreeing to value and respect each others beliefs and practices without having to approve of or participate in each others beliefs and behaviors. In order for this to occur both parties must agree to the three pillars of true tolerance.
- There is objective truth and it is one’s duty to pursue truth. A person must believe there is one absolute truth and must be willing to do everything in his power to know that truth for himself, whether it be his current beliefs or someone else’s.
- Parties in dispute believe they know what the truth is. Sharing your own beliefs with someone indicates that you believe, without doubt, that your truth is absolute. If someone shares their different beliefs with you then they must also believe, without doubt, that their truth is absolute.
- The best chance of uncovering the truth or of persuading others is the unhindered exchange of ideas. For truth to be absolute it should be able to stand up to any criticism that may come its way. Both parties should be willing to listen and if necessary defend their viewpoints in a civil manner and respect what each side has to offer before making a final decision. The truth should always be worth finding.
Seems simple enough right? For many people this is the definition we all think we live up to and follow. Unfortunately in today's society they follow this ideal know as New Tolerance.
New Tolerance
Tolerance, as it is used in today’s vernacular, has taken on a new meaning that does not line up with its original meaning. Tolerance now means that all values, beliefs, lifestyles, and truth claims are equally valid and true. By this definition, all ideals are now considered truth and it eliminates a person’s right to judge another person’s views as right or wrong.
Now for many people, this idea doesn't sound bad at all. A world where everyone is right and no one is wrong sounds awesome. Nobody'd feelings will ever get hurt and everyone is free to do what they wish, no questions asked. If you ask me this presents several issues.
- Defies truth. Truth, by definition, is absolute, narrow anr exclusive. It is supposed to follow a fixed path and exclude everything that goes against it. New tolerance wants to be able to include and equalize everyone and everything however, truth does not fit that mold.
- Aristotle’s law of non-contradiction. This law states that two opposites cannot be true at the same time in the same way. Truth is always going to have an opposite that is false. If a light is on in a space, that space cannot be lit and dark at the same time.
- All beliefs are not morally equivalent. Accepting what you don’t completely understand because you want to be “tolerant” can end up jeopardizing your own beliefs.
- New Tolerance is not livable. Based on the information above, it is impossible to validate other truths in your own life without contradicting your own truth.
Takeaways
Knowing what I know now it is more important than ever that I understand my duty and right to stand up for what I believe in. However, it is important for me to be respectful of others and be willing to listen to what they have to say. As a Christian, I will face much criticism from others. Ill be judged for adhering to my truth and not accepting other peoples truths as my own (new tolerance). However, it has strengthened my faith in what I know to be Truth - the Word of God [2 Tim. 3:16].
I am more than willing to sit down with non-believers and have a civil conversation with out assuming that just because we have different viewpoints, we must be mortal enemies. I will follow the original idea of tolerance and seek the Truth that is worth finding.
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