Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wuarchive!bcm!dimacs.rutgers.edu!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: lvron@saturn.lerc.nasa.gov (Ronald E. Graham) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: A first cut at Tolerance (long - sorry) Message-ID: Date: 8 Feb 91 07:48:50 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: NASA Lewis Research Center Lines: 107 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu Mr. Moderator, you asked for a case to be made regarding tolerance, as applied to Christians. I will attempt to make a first cut at it, because I personally believe both the Bible and tradition (where consistent) lead the Church in the direction of tolerance. If you don't post it, oh well. First, we have to define "tolerance." The dictionary definition is "a bearing of views, beliefs, and practices of others that differ from one's own." That IMPO matches well with the common usage in the newsgroup. Look also at the term "bearing." It means "endurance." We have to limit the discussion to this definition. If, when someone says that Christians are intolerant, that person means "the Christians think their faith is the only true faith; the Christians think they are the only ones who will go to Heaven," then, by that person's terms, I am intolerant, and I would not be anything else. C. S. Lewis makes this case in _Mere Christianity_. BTW, this is Mr. Lindborg's definition of "intolerant," based on his postings here and in another newsgroup in which I have encountered him. It is not the dictionary definition, or the definition of common usage. Having a definition, we go on to the scope of the views involved. Most common usage in this newsgroup would involve religious issues, of course, so I will confine myself to that type of issue. Having a definition, and a scope, we turn next to types of Biblical text aimed at tolerance. These would be teachings and examples. Teachings are given concerning the treatment of neighbors and the disposition of controversies. The treatment of neighbors is of concern here because the accounts of neighbors generally do not indicate the views of the neighbor. Where the view of a neighbor is considered, such as the case of the Good Samaritan, it is generally a worst-case view, relative to that of the observer. TEACHINGS Regarding neighbors: o Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. (Psalm 15:1-3) o Withhold not good from them to whom it it due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it...Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. (Proverbs 3:27-32) o ...But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" (the parable of the Good Samaritan) ..."Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?" And he said, "He that showed mercy on him." Then said Jesus unto him, "Go, and do thou likewise." (Luke 10:25-37) Regarding controversies: o But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the Law, for they are unprofitable and vain. (Titus 3:9) Comments: My neighbor appears to be anyone who needs me. Their stand on issues is irrelevant. And, if I am to be a good neighbor, I must determine to do that person good and not harm. Further, it is not necessary for the person to be in "dire need" for me to respond; simple "need" will do. It is not necessary for the person to seek my help; if I can give it, I must. I must expect nothing in return (not even conversion). I only gave one passage regarding controversies, because I thought it was clear. My only problem is one of application: I have trouble keeping from jumping into the fray, especially if I see Christians getting beat up on by "tolerant" people. That really frosts me. EXAMPLES o Christ's asking forgiveness for those who were crucifying him would seem perhaps the ultimate example. (Luke 23:34) o Peter's vision in Acts 10 indicates that Peter must not be quick to classify professors among the unclean for lacking his background. Comments: Individuals having a different background/training than that which I have, if they profess Christ, are not to be considered lesser people, or lesser Christians. And, if I am persecuted for matters of faith, I am not supposed to respond in kind. I am not supposed to agree with those who have other views, just to placate them; but I am not supposed to pray for/wish them evil, or to do them evil. Summary: A first glance at certain Scriptures indicates that I am to endure the differing opinions of others, or at least to serve them (as my neighbors) as I would those who share my opinions. Passages exist that tell me to avoid controversies as well. So I at the very least instructed to give good and not evil to those who disagree with me, and to avoid picking fights with them. So: what about the apparent intolerance shown by God in the Old Testament? I don't know how to deal with that yet: the wars and mass slayings carry the appearance to some of a contradiction in terms. I'll take a further look at that and let you know. But if anybody wants to throw their $0.02 in, I would be glad to summarize. RG Tolerant of agnostics, but not a certain Agnostic with an Attitude.