True Tolerance

Over the past few months there has been increase of stories in the media regarding our countries level (or lack there of) of tolerance. It has become common place to categorize an entire group of individuals as “intolerant” based based on their particular religious beliefs or political affiliations. Groups (and therefor individuals) are being condemned simply based on their religious views and sadly Christians seem to be the number one target for hate.

I am a Christian, I am proud to be a follower of Jesus. I am not however, intolerant.  To be honest, sometimes I feel that I am overly tolerant.  In the work place, on my Facebook wall, in my email folders I am constantly barraged with what I would call “Christian hate mail.”  Links to political commentaries, blogs, news articles are regularly posted by my “tolerant” friends with personal comments condemning Christianity. Not condemning a particular situation or a person, but an entire religion and those who practice it.  “Woo Hoos” and “likes” flood comments from popular liberal spokesmens’ videos bashing Christian’s and I cringe to myself and think, “Is this tolerance?”

On my Facebook page, I have a large variety of friends: black, white, Hispanic Christian, Jewish, atheist, agnostic, straight, gay, liberal, conservative – you name it, it is probably there. There are people I haven’t seen in 20 years – all with differing opinions than mine. Each person unique not only in their beliefs but in their experiences and upbringings.  I am thankful for the opportunities to hear their stories, to see their children, to share in their lives. It is with a conscious choice that I try never to offend, to practice a true tolerance to each individuals personal beliefs and practices regardless if it differs from mine.

However, the same respect is rarely shown to me as a Christian.  Evangelical Christians are often painted as evil, bigoted, hate mongers full of intolerance. I have never seen someone say that about a person who says the same things about the liberal who posts similar messages of hate.  Can you truly call yourself a tolerant person if your tolerance only extends to those with the same belief system or practices of your own? 

Are there hateful, intolerant Christians? Yes, of course but there are also hateful, intolerant liberals too. There are always those on each end of the spectrum that are extremists to their beliefs. Is it fair to look at the most extreme individuals and assume that ALL of a group falls into that category? Of course not. So why is it so easy to do? 

I rarely see a non-Christian, liberal friend post a link or make a comment about an awesome Christian ministry that is doing something great to help others. So let me just put this out there – Christians do more than hate – well really – we almost never hate.  We feed the hungry, provided AIDS medicines, we build wells, buy cows, provide clothing, provide medical care, and I could go on and on but I am sure you get the picture.  

I implore you, regardless of your religious, political or social affiliations to consider your own personal message. Is your message one of love, acceptance and tolerance for ALL people? Is it a message that says, I love and accept you even though we disagree?  Maybe if each of us takes a stand against all types of hatred then true tolerance will prevail.