Christianity comes with certain non-negotiables. One of these is the existence of real, objective truth: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (Jn 14:6). If Christianity is true, anything that contradicts it must be false. For instance, Muslims do not believe that Jesus died on the cross, much less that he rose from the dead for the redemption of sin, while Christians obviously claim that he did, which is contradictory. When a contradiction occurs, either one is true and the other is false or both are false, but they cannot both be true. Too often Christians are sacrificing this non-negotiable for the sake of culture.
The (real) definition of tolerance is to be respectful of another person’s right to a difference of opinion or belief. Thus, intolerance is a lack of respect for another person’s difference of opinion or belief. Culture has progressively redefined what the word “tolerance” means. Nowadays, accepting our differences is not enough; instead, you are now required to accept beliefs that are different from your own as truth. Intolerance, then, is considering any differing opinion or belief as false. Notice how radical this redefinition actually is.
Mainstream culture requires Christians to believe that Christ is a truth rather than the truth lest they be intolerant—that is, immoral. This is clearly the product of the cultural overemphasis on feelings, appeasement, and the fear of judgment. Therefore, the aim is to avoid judgment at all costs. But notice the fatal flaw in this cultural movement.
Culture tells Christians that they are intolerant for believing that Christianity is the truth and that any contradictory beliefs are false, which is itself a judgment! Folks who redefine “tolerance” are making a judgment, and a moral one at that, about Christian judgment. This modern redefinition is therefore self-refuting. Moreover, they (as in those who approve of this movement) utilize their version of intolerance insofar as it applies to views they do not like. I highly doubt these folks apply their own standard of tolerance towards racist, homophobic, or sexist views. The attempt to avoid judgment and prejudice and stand for equality has the exact opposite effect.
So does that mean Christianity is intolerant? According to this redefinition, since Christianity rejects certain views, yes. But I urge Christians not to appease this redefinition of intolerance. Instead, stand up against it. Continue to follow the true definition of the words: respectfully disagree with opposing beliefs, and, I would add, give reasons for why you believe in the truth of Christianity.
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