Hi, My name is Peter Abram and I am a senior philosophy major and I have recently read this article: http://www.oldgoldandblack.com/o_article/when_tolerance_trumps_all_there_is_truth_for_none/ And I'd like to discuss it with you. First off, tolerance is certainly not belief that there is "no wrong path", it's merely respecting those who hold views that differ from yours. You hold your view because you think it is right, tolerance does not change this fact. Your definition is misleading, biased, and just plain incorrect. Any belief you hold is never in direct conflict with your tolerance of any belief another person holds. If you think someone is wrong, by all means, let them know, but respect the fact that neither of you can be 100% sure on religious matters. I suggest you look up Feldman's article entitled "Reasonable Religion Disagreements". Secondly, your I-40 example does not support your point because of one obvious distinction: There is one definite, most efficient way to get to Greensboro. There is not one definite, most efficient way to go to Heaven, achieve Nirvana, or so on. This metaphor is misplaced, and any decently smart person would notice this. Thirdly, concerning this quotation: "However, according to our previous definition of tolerance, all three religions are equally correct. Let us ignore the fact that they blatantly contradict one another. Let us sacrifice logical thought in order to appease the masses. Let us reject even the possibility that only one of these religions may be the truth." This is not our previous definition of tolerance, it is yours and yours alone. Very few people would accept this as a definition of tolerance, refer to my first point. All three religions are equally correct to someone who does not favor one over the others. If a Jewish person were to address this claim, he would disagree and say Judaism is more "correct". Also, I find it extremely ironic that you speak so harshly of contradictions when Christianity itself is based upon on contradiction. Jesus is both man and God, mortal and immortal, flesh and spirit. I laughed out loud when I read that line, perhaps you should examine your own religion and try and understand the paradox that is Christianity. It is entirely possible that one of those religions may be the truth, but you, me, or anyone will never know until death. The best you, or anyone else for that matter, can do is a feeling. All of your history books, your bible, your emotions, do not prove the fact in anyone's mind expect your own. Also, isn't this "world peace" you seemingly mock a very Christian goal? The true Christian values his fellow man's wellbeing more than his fellow man's beliefs. Fourthly, concerning this quotation: "Too many people want to create their own way to God, because the true way requires sacrificing their lives for God. They will use any excuse, develop every new kind of philosophy and cast aside logic and truth so that they may live as they please." Isn't the point that Christ sacrificed his life for us so we don't have to sacrifice our lives for God? You're sounding more Islamic than Christian. And again, considering that Christianity is centered around a fundamental contradiction, I would venture to say that logic is cast aside in believing it rather than in disbelieving it. Fifthly, concerning this quotation: "Lastly, for those who already claim to be Christians, I must warn you that the illogical definition of tolerance has succeeded in watering down the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many so called “Christians” continue living immoral lifestyles characterized by partying, drunkenness, sexual immorality, gossip and greed, to name a few." Doesn't their belief in Christ matter more than their lifestyle? Unless I am misunderstanding, all those who accept Christ, regardless of their lifestyle, get an equal shot. Tolerance is far from illogical. Tolerance is logical in the sense that without it we'd be killing each other, not accepting each other, unable to form coherent societies such as our very own United States, and we'd be publishing articles such as this one that condemn much of what your Christ stood for. Lastly, concerning the quotation: "We must not close our hearts to those things that challenge and make us uncomfortable. We must respond." They make YOU uncomfortable. Many Christians are not bothered by the beliefs of others because they realize that their relationship with Christ is a personal one. And converting all those around you is not a challenge that was issued to you by anyone but yourself. If you feel the need to help people, I pray one day you realize that you do so not by questioning their faith, but by helping with their lives. You claim to be speaking truth in love, but you know not what truth is nor do you unconditionally love your fellow man. I, personally, would like a formal apology and I think all of those who have read this article deserve one too. Your intolerance is hypocritical and misguided, your beliefs are misinformed and poorly aimed. The true Christian is tolerant. You are not a true Christian. -Peter AbramPosted by: Peter Abram on May 04, 2008 1:04 pm

I think both of you should proof read your work before sending it in to a public discussion board. lolwut?Posted by: michael spitaleri on May 04, 2008 6:08 pm

LATAPosted by: lata mc lata on May 04, 2008 6:49 pm

I stopped reading after "radical islam". You need to do some research before you open your mouth. You need to judge a religion based on its scripture and laws in its proper context.Posted by: winaround on May 04, 2008 7:24 pm

L@L both writers have flaws within their writing.. no one is right and no one is wrong.Posted by: mikeyphatts on May 05, 2008 1:09 pm

Stupid Christian f|_|ck.Posted by: Lorenzo on May 05, 2008 10:00 pm

Hello Peter, I'm sorry it has taken me a few days to reply.. First let me say thank you for taking the time to actually read and analyze my article. I would first like to share with you some of my background, as it may help you understand where I am coming from. I grew up in a fairly Christian home, but did not become a follower of Christ myself until my senior year of high school in 2004. That year Jesus absolutely changed my life and rescued me - I have never been the same since. I want others to know that Christianity is more than just empty rituals and church attendance. I want to share this life-changing Gospel with others because of Jesus' command to His disciples to "go...and teach all nations...to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). Second, I realize that my first couple of paragraphs about tolerance may be confusing. I agree that my first definition is not correct - that was actually what I was trying to show, however it appears as though I was not clear about that. I agree that tolerance is "respecting those who hold views that differ from yours." However, I think many people today are buying into an illogical philosophy that morality and truth are relative - that all paths are equally correct. So, I do apologize if my article was not worded very well concerning this issue. I also understand that my remarks on "world peace" may seem very intolerant. I definitely support world peace, but do not believe that it will ever be achieved in this life. I was just trying to say that, in our quest for world peace, we cannot sacrifice the truth. I apologize if my article seemed to be forcing Christianity on its readers. I cannot and do not want to force Christ on anyone - that would be a very shallow, insincere faith indeed. However, I cannot apologize for the message itself. Jesus Himself said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Again, thank you for your comments. God bless, Anthony HallPosted by: Anthony Hall on May 07, 2008 3:13 pm

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