Christian Living
APPRAISAL OF TOLERANCE
Some have suggested that tolerance is a prime and even chief virtue to be cultivated, while others remain unconvinced. Initially, what is tolerance? It may be defined as the willingness to put up with something that is personally unacceptable.
Given this definition, my theology professor was said to be manifestly tolerant. For instance, when delving into some topic, he would list various interpretations. Thus to inform us of the range of conjecture, which was in keeping with his educational ideal.
However, he did not stop at this juncture. Having identified the options, he would proceed to select the alternatives he thought more plausible. Then to single out that which most impressed him. After which, he would allow that he might change is mind after further reflection. He was committed to a rigorous pursuit of truth, which casts tolerance in a more constructive context.
This recalls the occasion when Elijah inquired of his fellow Israelites: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). Which, in turn, solicits several observations. First, it allows that there may be substantial differences of opinion. So that we ought to make provision for this in the form of a reality check.
It is with something of this in mind that I have been engaged in intra-faith, and inter-faith dialogue over the years. This has been a helpful experience, that has served to strengthen my own convictions. Moreover, to learn from the insights of others. No less, to share my perspective with them, and build relationships.
Second, the prophet assuredly does not mean to imply that one option is as good as another. Is this regard, it is said that God created humans, and humans created gods. It is the former which he commends to the populace.
Now I have in my office a Baal artifact. I do not place it in some more obvious place because it might offend someone. Needless to say, it does not serve a religious purpose for me, but is along the line of archaeological relic. As for its original owners, they may have thought it to be simply representative, or that Baal was actually present. In either case, Elijah would have urged them to turn to the Lord.
Third, issues may be of more critical or trivial nature. So that much stands to be gained or lost in some instances. While there is little of consequence in other matters.
Faith in God is obviously a prime illustration of the former. For instance, the brilliant Blaise Pascal reasoned that if one believes in God’s existence, he has much to gain. However, if he fails to believe, he has much to lose. Moreover, if one believes, and God does not exist, he has still lived the best of lives. So that it was a vital issue that demanded of the people an appropriate response.
Fourth, we should choose our mentors with the greatest of care. Some are highly suspect. As a certain pastor, who informed his congregation that they no longer needed Scripture, since God had provided him as their shepherd.
In this regard, there comes to mind a provocative excerpt from One Solitary Life:
Nineteen centuries have come and gone
And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race
And the leader of mankind’s progress
All the armies that have ever marched
All the navies that have ever sailed
All the parliaments that have ever sat
All the kings that ever reigned put together
Have not affected the life of mankind on earth
As powerfully as that one solitary life.
So that I came to the conclusion while serving in the military during World War II, “If you can’t trust Jesus, who can you trust?” No one seems more credible.
Finally, while God sets a precedent for tolerance, he attempts to persuade persons to opt for the way of the righteous, rather than for that of the wicked. Given the assurance, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers” (Psa. 1:1). “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” Hence, such bear fruit, and resist times of drought. “Not so the wicked.”
In what manner ought persons to attempt to persuade others? C. S. Lewis observes that God is more disposed to employ carrots that clubs, i.e., to use incentives that correctives. Which serves to conclude this brief exploration into realm of tolerance.
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