Tolerance?

Clock on the following link and watch the video, then come back here. I'll wait. *grin* (You have to wait through a brief commercial blurb before the news video begins.)

VIEW VIDEO

Last week, I had an enjoyable conversation with an individual who does not share my views on the reality of God, the significance of his grace, the exclusivity of Christ's sacrifice as the basis of establishing a relationship with God, the reliability of the Bible, or the eternal destiny facing each of us beyond this life. Though we were in utter disagreement regarding some very fundamental issues, we had a very respectful dialogue and I was deeply appreciative for the opportunity.

It bothers me that so much of the world thinks of Christianity as "intolerant." In fact, that label itself sort of annoys me, because it elevates "tolerance" to some kind of virtue. Personally, I think "respect" and "honor" and "graciousness" and "patience" and "understanding" and "consideration" and "kindness" are virtues. When "tolerance" refers to these things, then I'm cool with it. But if "tolerance" includes embracing behaviors and attitudes that are harmful -- especially to the innocent -- then it shouldn't be a virtue. For instance, I don't want to "tolerate" a pedophile. I don't want to "tolerate" corruption in government. I don't want to "tolerate" the guy whose reckless driving is endangering the rest of us on the road. In those cases, I'm seeking accountability, not universal acceptance. (Like it or not, "I'm OK, you're OK" moral wishy-washiness is not a helpful development for society.)

Still, us Christians get blasted as being judgmental and "intolerrant" and condemning of others who don't share our moral standards or spiritual convictions. I'm sure it's a reputation many of us deserve, because Christianity is filled with broken people trying to figure out what an authentic relationship with God really looks like worshiping right alongside broken people trying to feel better about themselves through the dysfunctional art of comparison. Sad, really. And our reputation isn't helped by those people who call themselves followers of Christ and get all confrontational and derisive, thus tarnishing the reputation of all of us (not to mention Jesus himself).

Yes, I'm completely aware that there are similar videos out there that show individuals claiming to be Christians just as badly and even worse. It sickens me, really.

But to think that Christians are the heart of the problem of intolerance is naive. I wonder when society will understand that the cliche labels applied to various groups don't really fit most of the time. Take this video, for example (which I found on my friend John Kuvakas' blog today). Here we have a group of people protesting for "equality for all" (notice some of the signs as they're flashed in front of the camera); they're appealing for society to embrace their moral choices as acceptable right alongside others who would disagree with those moral choices. Along comes a woman carrying a cross. Who are the intolerant ones here? Who is behaving in a hateful way?

Okay, okay... the woman was kind of setting herself up for this confrontation. Just look at the size of that cross being paraded into the middle of a pretty agitated group! I wonder what she expected to happen. Still, from the few moments we see her, she seems like a sweet, gentle-spirited lady who certainly deserved better than what she received. Where's the respect? Where's the kindness? Where does this "equality for all" come into play when it comes to her opinion? Can you imagine what kind of response she would have received if she organized a "Straight Pride Parade" the same way that community hosted its recent "Gay Pride Parade?"

I found myself watching the video clip and actually getting all teary-eyed this morning. My heart ached for a world filled with such hatred and (dare I say it?) intolerance.

I'm not about to compromise my convictions, and I'm certainly committed to being as persuasive and contagious with God's grace as possible. I fully expect the same from others. But I simply crave resepect and mature dialogue instead of protests and bashing and insulting labels and endless, ugly confrontation.

Lord, give me a heart like Jesus showed us -- a heart that fiercely holds to what is true, yet also is quick to pour out compassion. Help me listen respectfully to others who believe and live differently from me. Help me to treat all people with the infinite value they deserve.