The traditional definition of tolerance is: “to recognize and respect (others’ beliefs, practices, etc) without necessarily agreeing or sympathizing.” (Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary)

That suggests that a person may disagree with the other’s belief or practice. What constitutes tolerance is the attitude of respect in the face of such differences in point of view.

However, in today’s multi-cultural and pluralistic present age, the meaning of tolerance has changed to something vastly different. It is now claimed that all views have equal merit and none should be considered better than another, and that it would be intolerant to believe otherwise. In these days of rigorous political correctness a person is considered to be especially intolerant if expressing a firm belief and conviction that his or her views are right and those who don’t agree are therefore wrong.

But what if it can be argued, albeit respectfully, to show that there is truth in those views with which another disagrees?

To say that someone is intolerant because you disagree with his or her ideas is actually confused. Tolerance requires that every person is treated courteously, no matter what his or her view, not that all views have equal worth, merit, or truth.

Tolerance applies to how we treat people we disagree with, and not how we treat the ideas we think false.

Real tolerance is not incompatible with either firm convictions nor even the desire to persuade others. It does not require that one must hold views in favour of the general consensus opinion based on a politically correct agenda.

Real tolerance involves respect for others and the expression of civility towards them. It separates the person from the idea held, just as Christians are told to separate the sinner from the sin… to love the sinner while not the sin, and with tolerance, to respect the person regardless of the idea.

Real tolerance rejects force and intimidation toward those who think differently. It allows us to have differences with impunity.

Mind you, what we do with our ideas might well be something else for which each will always be held accountable.

In the world it is called Tolerance, but in hell it is called Despair, the sin that believes in nothing, cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing, interferes with nothing, enjoys nothing, hates nothing, finds purpose in nothing, lives for nothing, and remains alive because there is nothing for which it will die. ~ Dorothy L. Sayers

THE NEW TOLERANCE ~ It’s politically correct, but does it hold danger for followers of Christ? Is love the same thing as tolerance?

Christianity and Intolerance: Why are Christians So Intolerant? by Rich Deem of GodandScience.org

The Tolerant Christian, by Justin Moser.