| Christianity vs.Tolerance? | |
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DaRtH-MoBiLiTy - Student  |
ALRIGHT WE MOVED THAT DISCUSSION OVER HERE. Was Jesus too tolerant? IMHO, The person who is grounded in faith, has convictions, and speaks out to expose and reprove error (Col. 1: 23, I Cor. 15: 58, Eph. 5: 10, 11) is often charged with: "you have no tolerance! The charge presupposed we are to be unconditionally and without qualification tolerant. Your question focuses on Christ regarding his life and teaching. For those of us who believe Jesus is the promised Messiah, Jesus' attitude toward error and sin is very important. Jesus was tolerant in matters morally and doctrinally indifferent. The Pharisees were very concerned and intolerant at Jesus' disciples plucking and eating corn ("wheat," dm) on the Sabbath. However, Jesus was tolerant (Matt. 12: 1-8). The Pharisees were also very intolerant regarding Jesus' disciples eating without "washing." Jesus, on the other hand, was tolerant (Mk. 7: 1-13). Jesus was intolerant. The casual reader of the New Testament has observed many instances of Jesus being intolerant and outspoken. In the foregoing cases regarding the Sabbath and the washing of hands, Jesus was intolerant with those who bound their traditions (Matt. 12: 1-8, Mk. 7: 1-13). The most wonderful sermon ever delivered is the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7). This sermon actually is an expose of Phariseeism. Jesus expressed much intolerance and was very plain and outspoken (Matt. 5: 20, 27, 6: 1-8). Was Jesus inconsistent? Upon closer examination one sees that when Jesus was tolerant, there was no sin involved, when Jesus was intolerant, sin was involved. Christians are to mimic Christ (I Pet. 2: 21). Hence, in matters not involving sin, the Christian is tolerant; but in matters involving a violation of God's laws, the Christian must be intolerant. God's word is also the standard to determine right and wrong - not emotions or what is politically correct (Gal. 2: 14). These are just my opinions and the opinions of people who make sense to me. We as Christians, as a whole have become more and more tolerant of things these days. I feel that primarily because, if we don't we will be labeled as "hate-mongers" and such. As I feel i am not as tolerant as some, how can you not be? You would have to throw your TV out the door pretty much, keep your children home and school them yourself, (which we do), and basically not participate in life in general. I am not going to go into specific points and my specific views and specific things. But if you really want to know. Everything I beleive is based on the Bible. If it says it is wrong, then i beleive it. If it says it is Godly, then I beleive it. Of course you can completely bash apart my stance on the Bible being God's word. But, IMHO, TRUTH IS TRUTH and that is the bottom line. Alright Ioshee, HIT IT!!! /me flips on suspensful music.....  -DM- _______________ One Day, it will all end. This post was edited by DaRtH-MoBiLiTy on Jul 01 2004 12:32am. |
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Are Christians Too Intolerant?
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Buzz - Student 
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Quote: I question the point of posts like these. Whatever is said is going to be a gross generalisation, and probably going to offend some people. You cannot stick all Christians in one big group, as there are so many denominations. The same can be said of Muslims, Jews, Hindus Buddists etc. The message of all the major religions is basicly the same: Be nice to each other. Is this realy so hard? Like you said Menaxia anything people say will be a generalization. That doesn't mean people should be offended. It is how people deal with things though. Sometime you need to have a simplified view. So you will lump a certain religious group into a category, but you still need to realize that all members are not like that. I'm a Catholic but I doubt if I could be used as an example of all other Catholics. Just like you can't just assume all Catholic priests are pedophiles and sexual deviants. A big point of this thread is tolerance, so just hope that people will realize that opinions are being expressed here and be able to address them in a polite manner. As for Jesus and tolerance. He was very tolerant of people and did forgive many. However if you remember the story of him kicking the money changers out of the temple. The action these men were doing was obviously not something he could tolerate. So there is obviously a point where you shouldn't tolerate things and try to make a change. _______________ When you are going through Hell, keep going. -Sir Winston Churchill. Those who seek power and control of others, no matter the level, no matter the intentions, should never be given it. |
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Bandit - Student 
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Quote: God is the ultimate judge and I don't fear those who can only destroy my body, but Him who can destroy body and soul in eternal flames where the smoke of my torment will go up forever and ever. And I thought we were supposed to love God because he is omnibenevolent, not because we fear his capacity for eternal crushing damnation? If I'm unwelcome, here, forgive me. I just wanted to say that I think the majority of Christians are too intolerent. I believe Jesus was a very tolerent person. He tolerated those that hated Him, those that persecuted Him, the occupiers of the land in which He lived..etc. He openly accepted and tolerated, tax collectors (who were universally despised), prostitutes, beggars, thiefs, criminals in general and of course, Gentiles. While he disagreed with their deeds, and beliefs, and tried to change people's views, he was not intolerant of others. At least, IMHO. _______________ Part-Time Player (Weekend Warrior). Recipient of the prestigious "Longest-Post-Ever Award" (bestowed on me by Flash on March 23rd, 2004) |
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Koyi Donita - Student 
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Quote: Koyi: Its all down to interpretation, if we followed the rules from that time you would most likely be in prsion for blasphomy Mara, I couldn't agree with you more. A large number of Christians died clinging to their faith in Christ. I would like to believe that if I was under those conditions, I too would cling to my believes in what God's Word tells me and die for Him if I had to, but I don't believe that I'm saved nor do I know if I would have the courage to stand and face death. Me sitting here right now, if my beliefs seem like blasphomy, I would except whatever people would do to me. God is the ultimate judge and I don't fear those who can only destroy my body, but Him who can destroy body and soul in eternal flames where the smoke of my torment will go up forever and ever. As far as being nice to people goes, how does that solve anything? How does that pay for sins or makes anything better? I personally do it because I feel that it's the right thing to do and would want for myself. Other religions may boil down to do good and be rewarded, but not the Bible. It's very difficult to find truth in the Bible and I think it is very profittable for it to be discussed openly especially if concepts or ideas actually come from and are posted with scripture for God is true but let every man be a liar. Don't ever trust what I say on here, but I pray and hope that some may find the faith the believe in the Bible. _______________ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Rom. 1:16 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. 10:17 I love my babyface. Smilykrazy is my baby and I love her. ...Swimming through the void we hear the Word, we lose ourselves but we find it all... System Of A Down. 
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Aayla Secura - Ex-Student 
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Like normal, mena got it in one _______________ IN UR FACE I'M NOT BLONDE! |
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Menaxia - Student 
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I question the point of posts like these. Whatever is said is going to be a gross generalisation, and probably going to offend some people. You cannot stick all Christians in one big group, as there are so many denominations. The same can be said of Muslims, Jews, Hindus Buddists etc. The message of all the major religions is basicly the same: Be nice to each other. Is this realy so hard? _______________ This is not the place to look for me |
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Aayla Secura - Ex-Student
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This kind of "we have the only right veiw" did force me to loose my faith in christainity, and now i have embrased other regions and found ALL ON THEM say the same things, love "tolerate" the people around you, i believe this inpertrtation of the that you sould even hate other people, well efensive Koyi: Its all down to interpretation, if we followed the rules from that time you would most likely be in prsion for blasphomy _______________ IN UR FACE I'M NOT BLONDE! This comment was edited by Aayla Secura on Jul 02 2004 08:59am. |
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Koyi Donita - Student
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The way I look at this issue goes like this. To ask if Jesus was too tolerant doesn't make sense to me because according to the Bible, Jesus was God. God is perfect and His judgements are righteous. God loves with perfect love and hates with perfect hate. All mankind are sinners according to the Bible, Rom.3:9-20 and are held accountable for their sins. This agrees with Darth Mobility's post earlier and is a Biblical statement. The world has embraced sin, EVEN MY SELF! I do not follow God's commandments so according to God's word, I don't feel as if I'm saved as of yet if I will ever be. To make the statement that the world has embraced sin is a very bold statement, but 1) God says this in His Word so the arguement is between those who don't believe this statement and God, and 2) A person really needs to study what sin actually is before they can make any type of statement about it whether it be offensively or defensively. If you don't understand the subject matter or don't believe, why even post? I believe I studied the subject of sin on a earlier forum and will retype it if any are interested. Either Passions of Christ or one of the earlier Christian threads. Basically, God created all. Everything. (Gen. chapter one and John chapter one clearly show this) God also has set up a set of commandments that He expects the whole human race to follow. He knows the beginning from the end and chose those He would save before the creation of the world for His glory. Jesus may have seemed tolerant/intolerant but it all breaks down to this. God does the work of salvation and there isn't a single thing mankind can do to get closer or make themselves right with God. John 1:12-13 states: 12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. I and many other people who believe in the God of the Bible may be posting their beliefs and feelings because of concern. I have deep concern for my friends here and God scares me. I only wish through the posting of His Word that He might work through it to bring others to Him. What I believe or post isn't important. God's Word is important in my belief and if it is indeed true and trustworthy and I wouldn't want to just sit idlely by knowing that we are facing God's judgement and eternal damnation. I search for truth and hope that others will be drawn to do the same. As much of me can, I love you all and I really hope that a great many of us will become saved God willing. Take care everybody and please don't try to attack or cut down anybody. Let us all just try to discuss the subject matter.  _______________ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Rom. 1:16 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. 10:17 I love my babyface. Smilykrazy is my baby and I love her. ...Swimming through the void we hear the Word, we lose ourselves but we find it all... System Of A Down.
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DaRtH-MoBiLiTy - Student 
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n00b, Yeah your right man. I reviewed my previous posts. Some points do seem a little, "Shove down your throat because I am right, period". Sorry about that. I typically make it a rule not to discuss things like this in a mixed atmosphere because of my unshakeable views. So, I may have a hard time stating them in an objective light some times. Great discussion though. -DM- _______________ One Day, it will all end. |
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ioshee - Student 
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Very well put Java G. That moved me. I don’t think Jesus was tolerant of things that hurt people. I don’t want to be tolerant of things that hurt people. Now as far as the Bible, I put a lot of faith in it myself, but it makes me sad that a lot of people, and it seems especially Christians, misuse, misunderstand and misrepresent it and Christianity in general [/runonscentence] As far as sin in the world, I really don’t believe it’s my place to change the world per se. I want to live my life in a close relationship with Jesus, and because of that let my actions and words reflect His undying love for humans. I know I don’t personally have enough love or compassion for everyone I meet hehe. Java had a good point. Jesus wasn’t tolerant for the sake of not hurting someone’s feelings, he was tolerant because he loved. He also corrected or reprimanded out of love. I honestly believe he told the woman to go and sin no more because he knew that she would be happier not sinning. So how do I apply Jesus’ type of tolerance/intolerance to the way I live as a Christian? Well as an example, if someone, a friend or coworker comes to me and asks my advice about a situation that is troubling them I share with them words of encouragement. I don’t go to people and tell them they need to change their ways if I don’t personally agree with their ways. Think about how silly that really is (even though a lot of religious people do exactly that.) What have you really accomplished if you get someone to follow your beliefs without really believing in what they’re following? And it’s not my job to change people’s heart’s. That’s between them and God. So if it’s not my job to change people’s actions, and it’s not my job to change people’s hearts what is my job? Well, I want to be here if God changes people’s hearts and then God wants to use me to help answer any questions they might have, or give them encouragement, or be encouraged by God through them, or ask them questions. It’s all about getting to know my bud Jesus better. But I think the slogan that started the whole discussion on tolerance in the first place was referring to not tolerating attacks on America. Which I can agree with. I don’t think America should tolerate terrorism. _______________ One of the Belouve boys |
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n00b - Student 
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Quote: Did i not say that I am commanded to love my neighbor as myself? Dogmatic Rubbish? Not Biblical? You have said a lot of things. I like your last post, stick to that. The statements about the world embracing sin is a judgment. It is biblical to not pass judgment as you say. The statements you said about the world are not your own words. I have heard this dribble out of the mouths of some evangelical preachers. They shouldn't say things like that. Stick to how you feel about God and the world. Always watch out for people, such as preachers, who think they have cornered the market on being godly. Nobody should feel they are better than the next guy when it comes to sin. We all have sinned, the difference is that a Christian asks forgiveness from God. This is not enough to say that a Christian is a "better" person in worldly terms. I believe the last poll I saw about God in the media said that 80% of Americans believe in God. I wouldn't say the world as a whole is "embracing sin." If the TV makes it seem so, remember that most of the crap you see on the TV is purely fictional, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. _______________ Gone but hopefully not forgotten... This comment was edited by n00b on Jul 02 2004 05:35am. |
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Orion - Retired 
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My opinion is summed up with kinda what dj says. I was born and raised a catholic baptized and all that hoopla, went to church every sunday blah blah.. Its not my cup of tea. I'm a learner, I like to have knowledge have anwsers to things. To me religion seems the "easy answer" to everything. Like I remeber when I was young, and would ask why does it thunder and lighting and what causes it. My parents and everyone would say oh it thunders because the angels are bowling, and when they get a strike you see lighting. Yeah when I was young that was all like oooh ahh thats cool, but to me now thats the "easy answer" to give a very generic /basic example persay. Thats just my opinion and how I feel. Yeah Ill learn about religions and whatever, I just dont want a part of them _______________ When a Man lies he murder's some part of the world. These are the pale deaths which men misscall there lives. All this I cannot bear to witness any longer. Cannot the kingdom of salvation take me home? -Cliff Burton Owner of Smily's 1900th comment | <Lady_Catherine> i love your sexy white socks! | (Lady_Catherine) i adore u! | (Lady_Catherine) onion (Lady_Catherine) i lub u |
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Jello` - Student 
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My opinions lie somewhere between Moby's and DJ's. Being agnostic (uncertainty about God/Supreme Being) myself, I cant really say much about what I believe. I havent met any really intolerant Christians, they've only shoved religion down my throat when I asked them to (aka I asked them their beliefs). My parents well, both of them have a religious history in their family, and they sorta forced me to be confirmed (so now I'm a confirmed Presbyterian (sp?) as of May 2003) and I didnt really get a chance to discover religion in my own way its just kinda been there since I was born. I didn't want to see what would happen if I told my parents I didnt like what they were doing with forcing me to get confirmed and all that, I'm sure it would be ugly. Alright thats all I gotta say unless I think about something later. - Peter "Jello" _______________ Brady Brothers: Orion-Greg, Furi0us-Peter, Me-Bobby. Long lost cousin to Flash. Midbie Council #007. Ex-JAK. This comment was edited by Jello` on Jul 02 2004 03:34am. |
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DJ Sith - Jedi Council 
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Here's my observations: Religious christians around here* are some of the most intolerant people I've met. If you're not baptized or saved or whatever then you're going to hell and it's their obligation to tell you about it and change you around. I don't care what Jesus said or did. It was 2000 years ago. It's been re-written, re-translated, re-interpreted, and beaten to death over the ages. Let it all go. Fine. Find God. Believe he has a son. Believe he walked on water, died for your sins, traveled through time in his magic holy tardis, saved the earth from the hordes of phaloosakopaca using only a thimble, and whatever else is written about him. Just keep all of that away from me. I don't mean to offend anyone. This is just what I see. If you're christian and are good about it then more power too ya. * edit: I just re-read that. "around here" means Texas. Not the JA. _______________ My car is made of Nerf. This comment was edited by DJ Sith on Jul 02 2004 05:16am. |
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DaRtH-MoBiLiTy - Student
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Did i not say that I am commanded to love my neighbor as myself? Dogmatic Rubbish? Not Biblical? This is based on things that are now, within the last 100 years, become accepted and common. Things that were not even accepted and common if you were not a Christian. I really am not trying to put myself on a pedestal here and I think you guys are taking me wrong. Here is my bottom line. IN MY OPINION... In my life and the life of my family we have chosen to become, "Christians". We go to a non-denominational church and we try to follow the Bible. Really that is it. We all fall short but try to always do the right thing. We gladly accept people of all kinds into our home and lives. My best friends in the world are not Christians. Finally, on the issue of Christianity vs. Tolerance, I can accept that all are different. I respect thier right to do so, even. I will never look at another person and pretend to know what is right and wrong about them in a literal sense. (Judging) On the topic of "Christians" as a whole, it really is so hard for me to comment. I don't feel that in the world view, the term, "Christian" has one meaning because the actions of "Christians" and "So-Called Christians" in the public eye often differ. That, to me is unfortunate. I have decided that the only real Truth for me is written in the Holy Bible. This is my Guideline and it is what I will work hard to follow. Other people have thier things too. I can have mine. Again, sorry if I have come out wrong in anyway. Not my intention at all. -DM- _______________ One Day, it will all end. |
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n00b - Student 
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Quote: ...because God's word is final. If he says it is wrong, then it is wrong. I don't care what institutionalized, accepting, politically correct, society this world has become. Whoa, you say what's supposed to be a good thing, then spout out a judgement on the whole world. Your last sentence quoted here is not biblical, AT ALL. What makes you think you're better than the rest of the world enough to reiterate this dogmatic rubbish? Quote: ...if this world does not like it and thinks SIN is okay and our societies embrace it, (which they have)... Whoa again! Do you know the thoughts of everyone in the whole world? I think only God can make this sort of judgement. Both of your statements violate the one key principle of Christianity- Love one another. Quote: And for the record, I really am not close minded. Nor am I judgemental. For the Bible strictly states that I am not to judge, that I am to love my neighbor as I love myself. If I can not forgive others, he can not forgive me. I don't think you really understand what you believe. You judge the world then say you don't judge. I'm confused  _______________ Gone but hopefully not forgotten... This comment was edited by n00b on Jul 02 2004 01:10am. |
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DaRtH-MoBiLiTy - Student
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Okay, Let me start my sayin: ALL OF WHAT I WRITE IS MY OPINION Mike, you always love to point that out. Thanks Again. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. I dont know how you pulled staying home cleaning and having babies out of that. For one, the Bible does not say that is what the woman is to do anyways. Plus I was refering to Jesus and his Words. That is what us, "Close Minded" Christians Beleive. I certainly hope no one feels as though I am attacking them. This thread was started to talk about tolerance. Christian or not, the types of things even seen on television today would of shocked and upset people even twenty years ago, Christian or not. I certianly respect the right of anyone to beleive what they want. I was merely trying to state my belief and the present the foundation for why I beleive that way. I apologize to those that my of took offense to that. That was not my intention. And for the record, I really am not close minded. Nor am I judgemental. For the Bible strictly states that I am not to judge, that I am to love my neighbor as I love myself. If I can not forgive others, he can not forgive me. So, with that, I love all of ya'll. I think your all the bomb diggity. I am very glad we are all different or the world would be a boring place. -DM- _______________ One Day, it will all end. This comment was edited by DaRtH-MoBiLiTy on Jul 02 2004 12:35am. |
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 - Student |
Quote: God's word is final. If he says it is wrong, then it is wrong. I don't care what institutionalized, accepting, politically correct, society this world has become. You're saying that ISN'T closed minded? I'm sorry, but I see that as one of the most closed minded things i've never read. It's YOUR BELIEF that God's word is final. I won't ever dispute that it's what you believe in, and I will never hold your beliefs against you. You may see it as standing up for your beliefs, but at the end of the day, it's not right for you to do that by shooting down others. What about Muslims? Buddhists? Athiests? Y'see what i'm getting at here? Remember in that other thread, how you said the whole Michael Moore thing is just your opinion? The same should apply here. To present an opinion as fact is as closed-minded as one can get, and it looks to me that you've just done it. :/ |
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VirusD - Student 
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erh deleted and rewriting for 5th time becouse my post turns out as uber flaming everytime -_-' I like Mara Jades posts and i agree with her Hmm but should i be writing here becouse my oppinion on jesus and all that other...stuff :p related to him erh... aint good btw how many people died in the crusade wars? how many of em died for god? how many people got turned into slaves and lost their lands so priests could eat and get fat? _______________ '** I hated going to weddings. All the grandmas would poke me saying "You're next". They stopped that when I started doing it to them at funerals.**' '**On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend.**" '**I Dont Lie! I Just Bend And Illustrate The Truth A Little**' - By me when talking to a friend. This comment was edited by VirusD on Jul 01 2004 11:48pm. |
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Aayla Secura - Ex-Student 
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So you believe rules from that time or era still pose somekind of importance in modernday? Well then i geuss i should be at home doing the cleaning and having babies. if you wish to believe that go ahead, i believe that is your right, but please do not tell me about how christains should be less tolerant, since the Bible was written to make poeple more tolerant in the 1st place. oh btw not closed minded Quote: But becuase God's word is final sounds real open to me (am not flaming just making a point) I am not saying i agree with people killing each other and things like that, more on a socail and racial level. Chrsitainity promotes "intolerence" to other groups, is all i am saying. And i do not agree with that. do not take this as an attack i have a respect for you DM, just i do not agree with you on this issue _______________ IN UR FACE I'M NOT BLONDE! This comment was edited by Aayla Secura on Jul 01 2004 10:39pm. |
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DaRtH-MoBiLiTy - Student
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Quote: As for tolerence, if you can not toterate people and who and what they stand for... I beleive you are not a real christian Let me just say, that if people stand for things that are contrary to the Word, then No, I do not tolerate it. Not because I am a closed minded Christian, but because God's word is final. If he says it is wrong, then it is wrong. I don't care what institutionalized, accepting, politically correct, society this world has become. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. That goes for him and his words and if this world does not like it and thinks SIN is okay and our societies embrace it, (which they have), I still wont tolerate or support it. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. -DM- _______________ One Day, it will all end. This comment was edited by DaRtH-MoBiLiTy on Jul 01 2004 09:45pm. |
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JamesF1 - Student 
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Quote: What i do not agree with however is people forcing their views as the only right ones. Which the Christain faith is renown for. Which in itself is contrary to the Bible. Which says that you must SHOW people what you believe by the way you act. That way, you aren't forcing your views on anyone, and you're making your beliefs plain for everyone to see (practicing what you preach - shall we say). _______________ Website |
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Aayla Secura - Ex-Student
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I believe the Bible is a good thing but what is not, is the interpretations of it. I in essence do not beleive in the world beening created in 7 days, but i beleive a higher being did start things of and is responisble for all the beuilful things around us. What i do not agree with however is people forcing their views as the only right ones. Which the Christain faith is renown for. As for tolerence, if you can not toterate people and who and what they stand for... I beleive you are not a real christian i personaly try to learn about all faiths, and all in essence they all tell you to be tolerent of other people. /me end my in put _______________ IN UR FACE I'M NOT BLONDE! This comment was edited by Aayla Secura on Jul 01 2004 08:27pm. |
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JamesF1 - Student
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Quote: We as Christians, as a whole have become more and more tolerant of things these days. I feel that primarily because, if we don't we will be labeled as "hate-mongers" and such. As I feel i am not as tolerant as some, how can you not be? You would have to throw your TV out the door pretty much, keep your children home and school them yourself, (which we do), and basically not participate in life in general. I am not going to go into specific points and my specific views and specific things. But if you really want to know. Everything I beleive is based on the Bible. If it says it is wrong, then i beleive it. If it says it is Godly, then I beleive it. Of course you can completely bash apart my stance on the Bible being God's word. But, IMHO, TRUTH IS TRUTH and that is the bottom line. I'm with my mobile friend here For me, what the Bible says, goes. No tolerance in that respect. If the Bible says its wrong to do whatever, for me, its wrong - end of story. If it says its right, its right, for me.Good post Darth. _______________ Website |
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3th - Retired 
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i don't think they are mutually exclusive by any means. i do think it is good to be intolerant of that which is evil. i also think it's great to have convictions. but, things become muddy once you throw religion into a global context. if the muslims say their holy text tells them one thing that differs from what the christian holy text would tell the christians to do, who is correct?! to paraphrase lincoln from during the civil war: the northerners pray to a god that says slavery is evil and wrong, the southerners pray to a god that says slavery is just. so how can i use religion to decide this matter? (can one find support in the bible for slavery? i don't know, i've never looked myself. this would be a question i would ask lincoln if he was alive )however, i DO think the world would be a lot better place if everyone did try to follow the intentions of jesus. _______________ this is the internet, be serious damn it! |
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JavaGuy - Student 
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Good topic. The term "tolerance" gets a lot of misuse, mainly because "intolerance" is used almost exclusively to mean religious or racial intolerance. In modern politically correct language, everyone gets labeled as either "tolerant" or a bigot. Unfortunately the PC crowd compares apples to oranges. While it's wonderful to be tolerant of different people, there are certain behaviors that should not be tolerated. Ever. Unfortunately those who speak out against those behaviors are labeled "intolerant," and by some wacko Orwellian logic that is somehow comparable to racial or religious bigotry. Jesus was quite intolerant of the Pharisees' behavior, and well he should have been. And we should not tolerate bad behavior in our society. A civilized society is built on intolerance...not of certain races or religions, but of destructive behavior. Try to tell that to the PC crowd, though, and you'll be called "judgemental," and they'll quote Jesus out of context saying "Judge not." Well Jesus said that in reference to the Pharisees' judgementalism. There's a world of difference between being judgemental and simply exercising sound moral judgement. I can look at, say, a bank robber, and say that he has chosen the path of evil, and I'll be on quite solid ground morally. Robbery is evil. Being an adult means exercising good judgement. Being a member of a civil society means being willing to recognize right and wrong. The Pharisees were without compassion; they judged not for the sake of upholding a standard, but to hold themselves up as better than everyone else. Note that the story in question here ends with Jesus Himself judging the woman: "Go and sin no more." He doesn't say, "Oh, it's all right, we should tolerate adultry, let's all get together and have a big group hug and pretend you did nothing wrong." No way. He forgives her, but he tells her not to do it again because what she did was wrong. When making moral judgements, a little humility is in order. But judge we must--not be judgemental, but judge. Ironically, the "nonjudgemental" crowd is amazingly judgemental. If you say that a drunk who neglects his children is a bad guy, they'll pass all kinds of judgement, not on him but on you for judging people--and if you point this out to them, they'll say that's being "judgemental" too! It's okay to pass judgement on someone for having moral standards, just not on someone for abusing his family. That's "nonjudgementalism" in a nutshell. Their own rules don't apply to them. Again, civilization is built on intolerance of destructive behavior, not tolerance of it. We must resist at every turn the linguistic prestidigitation that dishonestly equates tolerance or intolerance of behavior with tolerance or intolerance of race or religion. _______________ My signature is only one line. You're welcome. |
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