You know what really amazes me? So many atheists run around ranting against Christianity, using intolerance as grounds for their disbelief and their antipathy. I will be the first to argue for anyone’s right to believe what they want to believe. I will not, however, tolerate intolerance of other people’s beliefs, and I’m a Christian. I also won’t allow nonsense to be spewed against my beliefs without making a few clarifications.
First of all, true Christianity is not intolerant. Yes, Christ is Truth and Justice, but He is also Love. It is unfortunate if some who have claimed to be Christians have represented Christ differently, but don’t let these misguided people destroy your image of the Source of all that is pure, right, and good. Go straight to the Source of love before you make your judgments.
Next, even if you do believe that Christians are intolerant, that doesn’t give you the moral right to be intolerant toward Christians. Groups called, “F*** Christianity” are not appropriate for anyone who claims to be tolerant, no matter the excuse. This is where sayings like, “That’s like the pot calling the kettle black,” and, “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” come into play.
Finally, realize that Christianity is meant to be a force for good in the world. Christians are called to be broken and poured out for those who are suffering and in need, just as Jesus was broken and poured out for every wretched person on the face of this earth, myself included. If the Church is doing more harm than good in the world, then something has gone seriously wrong, and for that I am truly sorry.
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:53 am
Jesus was not very tolerant win he over turned the merchant’s table at the temple. You can be tolerant with a child playing with macthes, but he eventually will get burned.
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I am an Atheist, but I think that people can believe whatever they want to believe, until they start infringing on the rights of others.
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:31 pm
How will you spin it when atheists try to take God out of everything.
December 30th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
agreed!
August 16th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
You’re absolutely right, intolerance is intolerance regardless of what face it wears. As the old saying goes, I may not agree with what you have to say but I will fight to the death to protect your right to say it. I can’t stand ANYONE who seeks to infringe upon another’s right to their beliefs and views. Christians are often singled out partially because of the atrocities committed in their names throughout history and because a central part of their belief system is that no other way can be right. I have no problem with Christianity in general until someone comes along and tries to control me or others because they can’t accept the validity of other possible ways of thought.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:23 am
There’s a reason that I don’t submit my picture when I write. I don’t want the way I look to influence the debate I stir. Justmercy, your picture forces me to hold my tongue on this “Intolerance” debate. Yes, Jesus is Love and yes we have the right to worship as we wish. To say Christianity is not intolerant crosses the line. George W. Bush is a picture of “Intolerant Christianity” bordering on insanity. To believe we are the chosen people with “God’s Blessing” is wrong. To believe we are above all and permitted to kill at will is intolerant. To think it was an act of God that knocked down our towers and destroyed the Pentagon, that’s just silly. You are young and probably can’t spell “Crusade.” Want to learn more about the dangers of intolerance…go see District 9 and 10. Those aliens will show you the true meaning of intolerance in 3 years. Revenge can be a Holy Heck. You’re young. Open your eyes to all sides in the debate and you’ll see bias makes one stupid.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Dear Baco-
1) I didn’t say that Christians had never behaved in an intolerant manner. I just said that, if atheists want to criticize Christians for being intolerant, they should mind their own advice. I also said that TRUE Christianity is not intolerant, but that doesn’t mean that some selfish people don’t distort Christianity for their own selfish means.
2) Please don’t treat me like I’m stupid. That picture is old, and I have unfortunately always looked younger than I am; I suppose it’s the round, cherubic face. I was accepted to an Ivy League university. I can most certainly spell “crusade” and have even studied the Crusades extensively. I am firmly opposed to the wrongs committed by the Church, as I made clear in the last paragraph of my essay.
3) As explained in my first point, I am not really taking “sides in the debate.” I’m just requesting respect and courtesy on “all sides in the debate.”
Respectfully,
Justmercy
August 20th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Age doesn’t always equal wisdom.