Monday, December 15, 2008

Whatever Happened to Tolerance?

We studied being a contentious person in Bible study last week. We also looked at Romans 14 and had a great discussion that led to a discussion of tolerance and taking strong stands....and the fact that I CAN disagree with your point of view and still be tolerant of you. We discussed how society has redefined tolerance to mean "all positions are equal and you MUST agree with mine".

This discussion came back to me when I read about Sarah Palin's home church in Wasilla, AK being fire bombed and here. Yes, Sarah Palin is from the church and her political views angered many. The fact that she is a woman and a mom seeking political office angered others. The fact that the church held a conference called "Love Won Out" for homosexuals wanting out of their life-style angered many. But WHERE IS THE TOLERANCE???? Or is tolerance of views opposing our own only to be exacted from the Religious Right?

Enough said. My prayers are with the town of Wasilla and the 1,000 members who call Wasilla Bible Church their "home church".

©2008 D.R.G.

7 comments:

Paula said...

>>society has redefined tolerance to mean "all positions are equal and you MUST agree with mine". <<
This is so true. It bothers me when people twist the teachings of the Savior to mean "we have to show love for everyone by accepting all choices as equally valid." Jesus was comfortable both walking with sinners AND condemning their sins. It seems to me our society is getting it backwards. When confronted with a woman taken in adutery, Jesus' response was not to stone her but to tell her "go...and sin no more". It seems now speaking out against sin is wrong but stoning (fire bombing) is OK.

Vicki said...

I agree completely - and lets not forget, we, as Christians, are expected to keep our mouths shut about others, but they can say whatever they want about Christians and Christianity and we have to take it.

I hope whoever did this comes forward...

Cynthia said...

So sad...

Kristine said...

From that point of view, "tolerance" is a one way street.

I have a close family member, along with a "frendly acquaintance," who continually state that Christians should not force their religious views on others. WHAT??? Of course, it's okay for them to attempt to force their secular views on us...

Sadly, there are extremists on both the left and the right who somehow rationalize burning or shooting as a way to "prove" a point.

team D said...

What I find funny is the fact that in order to live out their definition of tolerance, they must accept the fact that others may not be tolerant. However, an extreme few do this. Another commenter also said that it seems their idea of tolerance is a one way street, and to them it is.

DeEtta @ Courageous Joy said...

Yes, Kristine....I see it on both sides as well.

DeEtta @ Courageous Joy said...

Illogical isn't it team D - now are you going to leave me guessing? You live in San Angelo....hmmmm....are you a PWOC lady, a chapel attender, someone I've met through SACHSA or a STRANGER who I will someday meet at W TX Rehab (love ya Amy)?