Why are we told that TOLERANCE is the greatest thing since sliced bread........

Like I said, I can tolerate anyone living here on the earth with me. I can overlook differences in race, gender, religion. But that does not mean I HAVE to accept the differences as being correct. :) I tend to agree that there are going to be alot of very surprised people on judgment day. :)

As stated in other posts, denominationalism of christian churches shows that church as we understand it is geared more towards man than God. Nothing Biblical, as I recall, says anything of organized religion except in Revelations where various unacceptable aspects are denounced. What it says is (roughly) 'Forsake not gathering in my name.' insofar as religious gatherings. You are the only person I've ever read/talked with who referred to The Christ's bestest friend as a whoore. Folks tend to be a bit shocked when I put it to them that way..and the shock continues when I say that is was that whoore who announced the risen Christ..with questions then of where the sexist attitudes in christianity began. ENJOY!

Jesus Christ said if you love God with all your heart, mind and soul and your fellow man as you love yourself, you've kept ALL the law.

God is love, and if you do not love your fellow man the love of God is not in you. Heavy duty words....hard to live up to. Worth the try.

In everyday life, tolerance is necessary for society to function. In a pluralistic society such as ours...where there is equality before the law... we must tolerate those who differ in their views so as to have that coveted equality before the law for ourselves. All that happens when you have no true tolerance...is the opposition will someday get the power...as we have now in our government...and they won't tolerate YOU. America was built on this tolerance. We perfected it as we grew and became more mature. Now we have tolerance in word only. The opposition claims they are more tolerant than us...but really...they are enjoying their power over us and their true intolerant motives are revealed in how they are treating us. Tolerance is born out of love for God....and his law. Jesus said, the whole law was contained in the first two commandments..Love God with all your heart, soul and mind...and your fellow man as your self. You can do this, without accepting the wrong a person does. In fact, real love demands that you warn him his wrong doing is coming between him and God. That's the tough love so many don't understand when reading the Word of God. Woe to them who call evil, good....and good, evil. Tolerance is not wrong, it is in the ACCEPTANCE of evil as good that we have gone wrong.

I wish we could all just judge a person from THEIR character and not stereotype people. Besides, even if they were painted with the same brush as a terrorist....more hate does not do away with hate, it feeds it and makes it grow stronger.

Hatley, you're so right! Most people are too judgemental, and that's a pity. Just think of how many wonderful friends they might have made!

what ever hAppened to the idea judge not lest you be judged'aS'you do not even know me so how could you judge me? and so often we may be'of fine character and yet the person judging sees only our outer'appearance. they do not know the me of me. you wouldhave to be with that person for awhile to know aNything at allabout his character.

Its pretty simple. Chances the intolerant ones are the social pariahs who can't contribute anything beneficial to society either due to lack of education or lack of jobs usually due to the incompetence of the government of the country. When they find themselves lost in this world they thought the ideal solution was to turn to religion. This is where they'll adopt extremist attitudes when village idiots pretending to be religious leaders preach their doctrine of hate justified by their beliefs. This led them to believe that Jihad is the solution to their problems and easy ticket to heaven. They've forgotten or unaware that the prophet once said that ink of the scholars is holier than the blood of the martyrs. The 1st revelation of God to the prophet was the emphasis of learning. It is through there that Islamic civilization grew into centre of learning inviting people of all races and religion to come and learn with no fear of intolerance and also were guaranteed the freedom of speech. These fools have forgotten their heritage. Well I'm glad in country Singapore, the government are aware of the dangers of intolerance. Therefore racial harmony is important for a multicultural society like us. The Muslims here are tolerant of other cultures and religion. There's no room for extremism in our country.

After 9/11 I wondered what had happend to the great civilization and beautiful writings that had sprung from Islam. Now I know...it is being held in trust by those Muslims who like you...love God and show forth his forgiveness and mercy. God bless those of you who do not let intolerance and hatred rule you.

Thank you worldwidewadi. I've read many things on the history of interaction between our faiths. And this current situation confused me just because of that history. Sure, there's been times when rulers of both sides have acted badly and caused bloodshed....but for the most part the PEOPLE of each faith, Muslim, Jew and Christian have had respect for the other. What happened to change that so dramatically?

worthy answer...thank you. There's alot to think about in that short statement.

Sounds like we agree. I didn't mean I would report someone for disagreeing with me. OH NO! I meant I would report those who brought hatred and disrespect to this discussion. In this milquetoast society we have now a days....it is frowned upon to say you hate something...unless it is a Christian or a Jew you are hating. I hate ignorance, I hate intolerance. But like you I do not have to accept every worldview or belief system as correct. I merely recognize that everyone has the freedom to think and believe as they see fit. I on the other hand...do not have to be subjected to their hatred or their disrespect.

I agree...I have said in the past, I will tolerate your right to exist on this earth, but I do not have to accept the way you live as correct.

Words can be used as weapons. I find that along with the instances you give, there is another way words can be used to hurt...lies are one of the most hurtful and most demeaning of all word uses. EnJoy to you too greenfeathers!