Why are we tolerant?

[Faible]

Greetings my brothers and sisters.

This is my first post, so I apologize if the topic has been done already.

I'm wondering why so many people who claim to believe in our Lord tolerate the existence of other religions and ideological opposition.

According to scripture it is clear that God does not want religious diversity, and he certainly does not want secularism. Also, you've no doubt noticed that due to the blantant non-Christian immorality perpetuated by the mass media and society in general, many people who might otherwise be good, decent Christians are in fact being swayed to a darker path.

What I'd like to know from the other members is why (if you are) you are friendly to people like atheists for example knowing that they want to completely eliminate our faith and drive God from the world. Why tolerate Islam, or any non-Christian faith for that matter?

In other words, why tolerate Satan at all?

 

[katautumn]

Why, oh why, have we had such a recent influx of misguided, militant fundies? Why are other members here friendly to people like Atheists and Buddhists and Pagans and other non-christians? I guess because they have a better handle on Christ's teachings of love than you appear to.

 

[JadeTigress]

Greetings my brothers and sisters.

This is my first post, so I apologize if the topic has been done already.

I'm wondering why so many people who claim to believe in our Lord tolerate the existence of other religions and ideological opposition.

According to scripture it is clear that God does not want religious diversity, and he certainly does not want secularism. Also, you've no doubt noticed that due to the blantant non-Christian immorality perpetuated by the mass media and society in general, many people who might otherwise be good, decent Christians are in fact being swayed to a darker path.

What I'd like to know from the other members is why (if you are) you are friendly to people like atheists for example knowing that they want to completely eliminate our faith and drive God from the world. Why tolerate Islam, or any non-Christian faith for that matter?

In other words, why tolerate Satan at all?

Though I'm not a Christian, I'll take a shot at answering this.

You're a Christian. You chose to believe that. Unlike all the other religions out there, this one feels right to you. That's great, and I respect that. But since I respect your right to believe what you want, I ask that you do the same for me. I chose Paganism because, out of the different religions, it's the one that feels right to me. Everyone goes through this process of figuring out what they believe, though it's much more difficult for some. This is why we should respect other's religious beliefs; we're all just seeking the truth. If we put our differences aside, we could learn from each other, and maybe even get closer to that truth which we so desperately seek.

 

[CriticalMassKitten]

Well no matter how much we argue, none of us can prove our God is the "real god" or the "real word of god." Most religions have something in their religious books about it being the true religion, if not all. We can sit here all day and go back and forth saying "Well my religion says this and that" and all, but neither side can prove it beyond a book. I'm not saying your religion is wrong, or that somebody elses is right. I'm saying we can't prove that one is right, or one is wrong. Hell, we can't even prove there IS a right religion.

 

[Lynden1000]

Greetings my brothers and sisters.

This is my first post, so I apologize if the topic has been done already.

I'm wondering why so many people who claim to believe in our Lord tolerate the existence of other religions and ideological opposition.

According to scripture it is clear that God does not want religious diversity, and he certainly does not want secularism. Also, you've no doubt noticed that due to the blantant non-Christian immorality perpetuated by the mass media and society in general, many people who might otherwise be good, decent Christians are in fact being swayed to a darker path.

What I'd like to know from the other members is why (if you are) you are friendly to people like atheists for example knowing that they want to completely eliminate our faith and drive God from the world. Why tolerate Islam, or any non-Christian faith for that matter?

In other words, why tolerate Satan at all?

Who says we want to eliminate your faith? I certainly don't. I wouldn't have a job if I did.

Methinks you're imagining things.

That said, there's a VERY good reason you should tolerate other faiths: you might find yourself on the wrong end of a weapon if you tried to infringe upon somebody's religious beliefs or practices. I have no qualms about resorting to violence should anyone ever try to take away any of *my* rights.

 

[eddieJ]

As a Christian, I believe to love my neighbor as myself. However, politicians, in their constant quest to get votes, will say or do some things that are dishonest or "just telling people what they want to hear." Another example of politics in action is creating conflict. Make people emotionally upset and then tell them you need "me" to change it. "And if elected, I will..." Maybe.

Conflict drives news and politics. In one, column inches are filled with debates that lead to nothing. In the other, promises are made to fix things, and after election day, a few things get fixed but a lot is left not done (usually blamed on the other party's unwillingness to cooperate). But peace and understanding would be bad for the economy. Imagine all of us just agreeing to cooperate as best we can and going about our lives in peace (atheists, Christians, pagans, etc.), but newspapers would have fewer things to write about and politicians would have fewer things to get people worked up about. I imagine they would have to fall back on old perrenials like "more school funding" and "fix those roads."

As far as tolerating satan, turn off the TV and tune your radio to some religious programming. Even though others believe differently than you, they are still your neighbors. After prayer and careful consideration, oppose the things that damage human dignity and destroy human life (porn, prostitution, embryonic stem cell research and abortion). These things should be opposed out of love and compassion, not out of a sense of hate, because Christ told us to love your enemies.


God bless,
Eddie

 

[ChristianCenturion]

Greetings my brothers and sisters.

This is my first post, so I apologize if the topic has been done already.

I'm wondering why so many people who claim to believe in our Lord tolerate the existence of other religions and ideological opposition.

According to scripture it is clear that God does not want religious diversity, and he certainly does not want secularism. Also, you've no doubt noticed that due to the blantant non-Christian immorality perpetuated by the mass media and society in general, many people who might otherwise be good, decent Christians are in fact being swayed to a darker path.

What I'd like to know from the other members is why (if you are) you are friendly to people like atheists for example knowing that they want to completely eliminate our faith and drive God from the world. Why tolerate Islam, or any non-Christian faith for that matter?

In other words, why tolerate Satan at all?

First post, huh?
OK, I'll give an answer.

Welcome to CF - BTW.

If you wanted to ask specifically Christians, there is also another forum you might want to check out:

Christian Philosophy & Ethics
A Christian-only philosophy & ethics forum.


As for your question and since you mention scripture, perhaps you may wish to reflect on these:


Matthew 13:1-30
The Parable of the Sower

1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear."
10The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"
11He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13This is why I speak to them in parables:
"Though seeing, they do not see;
though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
" 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
15For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.' 16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
18"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

The Parable of the Weeds

24Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'
28" 'An enemy did this,' he replied.
"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 29" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "



Luke 5:32
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Luke 24:46-47
46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

 

[Garnet2727]

Is it time to call Poe's law?

 

[ChristianCenturion]

Is it time to call Poe's law?

No.
At least, please don't in-thread.
It has my attention.

 

[Blackguard_]

I'm wondering why so many people who claim to believe in our Lord tolerate the existence of other religions and ideological opposition.

What do you consider "tolerance"? Some people nowadays use it as if it means "acceptance" as is often the case in "tolerance of homosexuality". If you mean that kind of tolerance, I afree it's silly.

According to scripture it is clear that God does not want religious diversity, and he certainly does not want secularism.

Yes, but how do you plan on accomplishing this? Through preaching and teaching? Simply living as God commands? Dropping cobalt bombs on the ka' ba and sending non-beleivers to "Bible Camps" for re-education?

Also, you've no doubt noticed that due to the blantant non-Christian immorality perpetuated by the mass media and society in general, many people who might otherwise be good, decent Christians are in fact being swayed to a darker path.

You think the boobtube is stronger than God?

What I'd like to know from the other members is why (if you are) you are friendly to people like atheists for example knowing that they want to completely eliminate our faith and drive God from the world. Why tolerate Islam, or any non-Christian faith for that matter?

Were you born a Christian?

In other words, why tolerate Satan at all?

because he's harmless.

"A Mighty Fortress is Our God"
verse 3
"Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
They shall not overpower us.
This world's prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none,
He's judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him."


John 12:31

"Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out."

 

[eddieJ]

From 1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."



God bless,
Eddie

 

[SallyNow]

Why am I nice to people of other faiths or those who do not have faith?

Because that is what I would want done to me. It is the correct thing to do. To be unkind would be the wrong thing. To judge would be the wrong thing.

You know...

37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

and of course:

12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

 

[Ramona]

Greetings my brothers and sisters.

This is my first post, so I apologize if the topic has been done already.

I'm wondering why so many people who claim to believe in our Lord tolerate the existence of other religions and ideological opposition.

According to scripture it is clear that God does not want religious diversity, and he certainly does not want secularism. Also, you've no doubt noticed that due to the blantant non-Christian immorality perpetuated by the mass media and society in general, many people who might otherwise be good, decent Christians are in fact being swayed to a darker path.

What I'd like to know from the other members is why (if you are) you are friendly to people like atheists for example knowing that they want to completely eliminate our faith and drive God from the world. Why tolerate Islam, or any non-Christian faith for that matter?

In other words, why tolerate Satan at all?

I tolerate (if not outright accept) people with beliefs different from my own for many reasons, but I'll start with two.

1. Christ's second greatest commandment to us is to love our neighbors as ourselves. When you advocate intolerance, what does this intolerance look like? Do we simply take away their citizenship in our "Christian Nations," or do we commit mass atrocities involving gas chambers? I believe the word for that is "Holocaust."

Meh...I don't think Jesus likes genocide. But that's just my opinion.

2. I'm just a (usually) kind and (generally) reasonable person, I guess.

Mumbai

 

[DLaurier]

"What I'd like to know from the other members is why (if you are) you are friendly to people like atheists for example knowing that they want to completely eliminate our faith and drive God from the world. Why tolerate Islam, or any non-Christian faith for that matter?"
Who says we want to completely (or partialy) eliminate your faith? How can we want to drive any gods from the world when we know there are no gods TO drive from the world?

"In other words, why tolerate Satan at all?"
And what does your satan have to do with atheism, or Islam, or Hinduism, or Wicca,? Or any other
non-christian faith? Exactly nothing.

 

[tocis]

According to scripture it is clear that God does not want religious diversity, and he certainly does not want secularism.

According to scripture (so you christians keep telling me...) your god is omnipotent and omniscient. If he doesn't want religious diversity he can make it disappear in a heartbeat. Why should an omnipotent deity need humans to do its work?

Unless of course your opinion is that your god is not omnipotent. In that case, feel free to ignore this posting.

 

[Lilacladyangel]

We are not to tolerate sin. We are to love the sinner and show them mercy and love, just as God has shown us in Christ. Being 40 years old and a sinner among sinners I am greatful for God's compassion and mercy. He tolerated my sinful life and gave me many chances to come to Him before I finally did.

I love God even more for His patience with me and His willingness to still love me, and continue to change me and work in and through me.

Because of His mercy, love and compassion

God bless,
Lilacladyangel

 

[Robbie_James_Francis]

Atheists are not trying to eliminate your faith or anyone else's. You are confusing us with your own. Fundamentalists of all ilks are the only ones that want to destroy other people's beliefs and spread intolerance and persecution. Fortunately, enough of their attention is directed to one another that one day, perhaps, they will destroy themselves and the rest of us can be left in peace and freedom.

Were you born a Christian?

I take it you mean born into a Christian family and not actually born a Christian. No-one is born a Christian, Muslim or whatever, just as no-one is born a Marxist or a Utilitarian.

peace

 

[ChristianCenturion]

... Fundamentalists of all ilks are the only ones that want to destroy other people's beliefs and spread intolerance and persecution. Fortunately, enough of their attention is directed to one another that one day, perhaps, they will destroy themselves and the rest of us can be left in peace and freedom.

Hmm... here I am, a Fundamentalist, reading this unprovoked attack.
Just who was spreading intolerance and persecution again?

I take it you mean born into a Christian family and not actually born a Christian. No-one is born a Christian, Muslim or whatever, just as no-one is born a Marxist or a Utilitarian.

peace

I think that was the point of the question.
It read (to me) as a rhetorical question.

 

[quatona]

Greetings my brothers and sisters.

This is my first post, so I apologize if the topic has been done already.

I'm wondering why so many people who claim to believe in our Lord tolerate the existence of other religions and ideological opposition.

According to scripture it is clear that God does not want religious diversity, and he certainly does not want secularism. Also, you've no doubt noticed that due to the blantant non-Christian immorality perpetuated by the mass media and society in general, many people who might otherwise be good, decent Christians are in fact being swayed to a darker path.

What I'd like to know from the other members is why (if you are) you are friendly to people like atheists for example knowing that they want to completely eliminate our faith and drive God from the world. Why tolerate Islam, or any non-Christian faith for that matter?

In other words, why tolerate Satan at all?

What are you proposing instead? Holy War?

Whatever. I am a non-believer, and I am not the one to tell you why other Christians are tolerant towards differing worldviews. I could only tell you why I am tolerant towards religions.

 

[christalee4]

Greetings my brothers and sisters.

This is my first post, so I apologize if the topic has been done already.

I'm wondering why so many people who claim to believe in our Lord tolerate the existence of other religions and ideological opposition.

According to scripture it is clear that God does not want religious diversity, and he certainly does not want secularism. Also, you've no doubt noticed that due to the blantant non-Christian immorality perpetuated by the mass media and society in general, many people who might otherwise be good, decent Christians are in fact being swayed to a darker path.

What I'd like to know from the other members is why (if you are) you are friendly to people like atheists for example knowing that they want to completely eliminate our faith and drive God from the world. Why tolerate Islam, or any non-Christian faith for that matter?

In other words, why tolerate Satan at all?

Christian Reconstructionism, like fundamentalist Islam, or a Communist or rightwing political dictatorship, tolerates no other religion, political party, or expression of any philosophy other than the believer's religion. In countries who are ruled by such fundamentalists, any other expression of religion or freedom is stamped out by oppressing people, imprisoning them, or killing them, in the name of God, or in the name of their idealogy.

Being friendly to people to who don't share your religion or beliefs is not serving Satan:

Corinthians 12:24-26:

"12:24. But our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, giving to that which wanted the more abundant honour.
[SIZE=-1]Honesta autem nostra nullius egent sed Deus temperavit corpus ei cui deerat abundantiorem tribuendo honorem[/SIZE]

12:25. That there might be no schism in the body: but the members might be mutually careful one for another.
[SIZE=-1]Ut non sit scisma in corpore sed id ipsum pro invicem sollicita sint membra[/SIZE] 12:26. And if one member suffer any thing, all the members suffer with it: or if one member glory, all the members rejoice with it.
[SIZE=-1]Et si quid patitur unum membrum conpatiuntur omnia membra sive gloriatur unum membrum congaudent omnia membra[/SIZE] "

If one of us suffers, we all suffer.