Tolerance

Tolerance. This is a common word today. I believe it’s also a misunderstood concept. What is the definition of “tolerance”? According to Dictionary.com, citing the 2009 Random House Dictionary, the definition is:

“a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.”

This definition bothered me. So, I looked up the word in my Random House Dictionary from 1975. And here is the definition back in 1975:

“a fair and objective attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.”

Notice the difference? The word “permissive” is not part of the 1975 definition. And this makes all the difference in the world.

The concept of tolerance has been co-opted by relativists, those that don’t want rules, who reject morality, and who want all beliefs and practices validated.

But consider what the postmodern definition is saying. We’re to have a permissive attitude toward all practices? Where does the line get drawn, then?

So, what is the definition of tolerance a Christian should follow?

The word “tolerance” shows up only once in the Bible, in the NIV translation:

Romans 2:1-4 - You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?

The original Greek word translated in the NIV as “tolerance” is “anoche” and actually translates to the word “forbearance” which is defined as “a holding back, a delay of punishment. It represents a suspense of wrath which must eventually be exercised unless the sinner accepts God’s conditions” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary).

There’s nothing permissive about this word at all.

This is what I believe the Christian definition of tolerance is:

Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

One thing that tolerance does NOT mean, is acceptance.

What does it mean for a Christian to show tolerance? We are to respect the right of others to have different beliefs and opinions from our own. We are to respect people as people. We are not allowed to discriminate, judge, nor show any contempt toward someone who has different beliefs and opinions, even practices than us. However, it does not mean we have to accept their beliefs, practices, or opinions as valid.

For example, if someone is a homosexual, we must respect that person, and as the verse above says, do all we can to live at peace with them. And like my previous blog stated, love them and share the Gospel with them. However, we do NOT have to acknowledge that homosexuality is okay. We can lovingly tell them we disagree with their lifestyle.

If someone is a Muslim, we must respect that person, love that person, not discriminate against that person, but we do NOT have to acknowledge that Islam is valid or correct. We are obligated to share the truth with them and that means telling them that Jesus Christ is THE way, THE truth, and THE life and no one comes to God but through Christ.

Tolerance is not abandoning our own beliefs.

And the ironic thing is, any devout Muslim would agree.

Watch out for relativism. As you can see by the new Random House Dictionary definition of tolerance, it is pervasive.

We are to respect and love everyone, but we do not have to accept or acknowledge as valid every belief and practice.

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2Timothy 4:2).

And it bears repeating:

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18).