Tolerance is Not a Christian Virtue: Understanding the Role of Tolerance in Christianity
Introduction
In a world where pluralism and diversity are celebrated, the concept of tolerance often takes center stage, particularly in discourse surrounding morality and ethics. However, a provocative assertion arises: “tolerance is not a Christian virtue.” This statement might strike many as contrary to contemporary understandings of Christianity, which often emphasize compassion, acceptance, and understanding of others. In this blog post, we will unpack this complex assertion by exploring the historical, theological, and scriptural underpinnings of tolerance in Christianity. I will argue that while Christians are called to love others — even those with whom they disagree — the concept of tolerance as it is commonly understood today may not align with traditional Christian teaching.
What is Tolerance?
To delve deeper into this topic, we must first define what we mean by “tolerance.” In its most basic form, tolerance refers to the ability or willingness to recognize and respect the beliefs or practices of others, especially those that differ from one’s own. It has become increasingly associated with the acceptance of various lifestyles, ideologies, and moralities in our multicultural society.
While tolerance appears noble, often it can unintentionally encourage moral relativism — the idea that there are no absolute truths or moral standards, thus permitting inconsistency in personal beliefs. This idea contradicts the foundational convictions of Christianity, which holds that Jesus Christ embodies truth and that His teachings are a universal standard.
Historical Context of Tolerance in Christianity
Throughout history, Christianity has grappled with the concept of tolerance. Early Christians were often persecuted for their beliefs, receiving no tolerance from the dominant pagan cultures of the Roman Empire. As Christianity gained recognition and power, particularly after the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, it adopted a different approach.
In the Middle Ages, Christianity was often intolerant of heresies and alternative religious viewpoints, leading to significant strife, including the Inquisition and various crusades. These historical instances of intolerance were justified by theological arguments claiming that defending “true” Christian doctrine necessitated action against dissenters.
However, the Enlightenment sparked a shift. With the rise of secularism, religious freedom emerged as a major social value, challenging traditional religious authority. The Protestant Reformation further complicated the dynamics of tolerance, allowing various interpretations of Christianity to flourish.
Biblical Foundations: Love versus Tolerance
The notion that “tolerance is not a Christian virtue” can be illuminated through scriptural analysis. Central to Christian teaching is the call to love one’s neighbor (Mark 12:31) and to love one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44). Love, as taught in Christianity, possesses a transformative power — it seeks the good of others and desires to guide them toward truth.
However, love in the Christian sense does not equate to blind tolerance. Consider Apostle Paul’s admonition in 1 Corinthians 13, which defines love not merely as affirmation but as a higher calling that includes truth, holiness, and righteousness.
Many passages encourage the church to maintain sound doctrine and resist false teachings (2 Timothy 4:3-4; Galatians 1:8). Here, the dichotomy between love for individuals and holding them accountable to the truth becomes evident. Tolerance, in its modern sense, often implies a refusal to confront or question, which runs contrary to the Christian call to witness to the truth of the Gospel.
The Dangers of Modern Tolerance
1. Moral Relativism
One of the significant issues with modern tolerance is its propensity to lead toward moral relativism. This perspective suggests that all beliefs and lifestyles are equally valid, leading to a dilution of clear moral standards. In contrast, Christianity asserts objective moral truths rooted in God’s nature. This can create tension for Christians trying to navigate a culture that demands acceptance of all beliefs, often placing them at odds with their Scriptural convictions.
2. Cultural Compromise
When tolerance becomes paramount, it can lead to cultural compromise within the church. Biblical truths may be downplayed or reinterpreted to fit within a more inclusive framework, diminishing the transformative power of the Gospel. The church might become merely a reflection of contemporary values rather than a beacon of truth.
3. Erosion of Accountability
Furthermore, an overemphasis on tolerance can erode accountability within the community. If everyone’s beliefs are permissible, then no one can challenge or encourage growth in another. The Bible teaches that Christians are to spur one another toward love and good works (Hebrews 10:24), a call which necessitates a standard against which to measure behaviors and beliefs.
4. Implications for Evangelism
Finally, in terms of evangelism, the modern notion of tolerance can inhibit the church’s ability to effectively witness to non-believers. If Christians are seen as only tolerant without an underlying commitment to truth, the urgency of the Gospel message is undermined. Evangelism inherently involves calling people to a decision about Christ and His teachings, which cannot occur in a climate of unrestricted acceptance of all viewpoints.
The Call to Love in Truth
The essence of Christian identity is about the embrace of love that seeks to share the truth of the Gospel. In John 1:14, it states that Jesus came “full of grace and truth.” The Christian ethic embodies a dual commitment to both love and truth.
When Christians engage with others, it is essential to express love without compromising the truth of the Gospel. For instance, engaging in respectful dialogue with those of differing beliefs (including adhering to positions at odds with Christian doctrine) provides an opportunity to demonstrate love while upholding the truth.
Reframing Tolerance as Christian Love
While declaring that tolerance itself is not a Christian virtue, one could argue for a redefined understanding that aligns with Christian teachings. Rather than demanding unconditional acceptance, Christians are called to cultivate an attitude of love, which might include:
1. Compassionate Understanding: Engaging with individuals in a manner that seeks to understand their beliefs and experiences without immediate judgement.
2. Respectful Disagreement: Maintaining respect for differing opinions while confidently articulating one’s convictions.
3. Encouraging Truth: Love motivates Christians to guide others toward the truth found in Jesus Christ, rather than leaving them in their misconceptions.
4. Discipleship Beyond Condemnation: To call others to a deeper understanding of truth, Christians must incorporate grace in their approach — recognizing their own flaws and seeking authentic relationships rather than a posture of superiority.
Conclusion
In summation, the assertion that “tolerance is not a Christian virtue” invites Christians to reflect critically on the implications of modern tolerance. While love should be at the core of Christian interactions, this love does not mandate uncritical acceptance of beliefs and lifestyles that contradict the teachings of Jesus.
As Christ-followers, we embody the tension of committing to truth while extending grace. In a world that often conflates tolerance with acceptance, Christians are called to stay grounded in the conviction that it is love — a love that seeks truth — that truly reflects the heart of God. By engaging in loving discourse, fostering genuine relationships, and upholding the tenets of the faith, we can navigate the complexities of modern belief and contribute meaningfully to the conversations shaping our society.
Ultimately, our mission isn’t merely about being tolerant; it’s about glorifying God through our love and adherence to the truth He has revealed. It is through this authentic expression of love that we can truly witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.