Opinion > May 1, 2008

By Anthony Hall | Guest columnist

If the society we live in today could be summarized in one word, I would choose “tolerance.”

This concept of tolerance that pervades American society today is an interesting one and has undoubtedly developed in reaction to radical instances of intolerance: the Crusades, the Holocaust and radical Islam will suffice as examples.

Quite simply, tolerance is the belief that there is no wrong path; rather, there are many paths that all lead to the same destination. Though we may disagree and though our beliefs may contradict one another, we are all right in the end.

Using this logic, I suppose it would be alright to choose either I-40 East or I-40 West to get to Greensboro from Winston-Salem. Yes, I know these roads are going in opposite directions, but in the spirit of tolerance I cannot say that one direction is wrong and the other is right. Both must lead to the same place … right?

It is this misguided logic and political correctness that permeates our culture today. It also threatens to destroy the core values and morals that hold our nation together. We have sacrificed truth in an effort to offend no one and achieve “world peace.” Perhaps the most obvious and the most detrimental example can be seen in the religious sphere. Christianity claims that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the only way to Heaven. Both Judaism and Islam reject this claim.

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.

Based on the above example, I think it would be fair to say that our current definition of tolerance is illogical. Moreover, this definition is an insult to all who wholeheartedly believe in God. It says that what I believe is really arbitrary, because no matter what I believe, it is going to be right. Hence, there is no certainty, there is no absolute and there is no true relationship with God, because God is only what I make Him. Therefore, I propose a more logical philosophy of tolerance. In this new definition, we admit that there is a definite right and wrong path. However, we also pledge to respect those who choose the wrong path. The only hindrance to this definition is its foundation upon absolute truth.

Many people today reject absolute truth, because it is uncomfortable. 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. Just read a few passages from Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth for a prime example of this fraudulent philosophy.

So, throwing aside all political correctness, I want to make a proposal. You may have seen it spray painted on the sides of bridges and brick walls. It is not just an idea or a superstition, it is absolute truth – it is the certainty for which so many people crave.

It has changed countless lives, including mine. It is the message that there is a true God who truly does love this world. It says, “Try Jesus” – He can change your life.

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.

They have been deceived into believing that morality is relative and salvation consists of rites and rituals, instead of a true relationship with God. However, the Apostle Paul would be quick to point out “that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21).

As I end this article, I hope my point is clear. I am only trying to speak the truth in love, in order to point out the danger behind the seemingly innocent tolerance so popular in America today. We must not close our hearts to those things that challenge and make us uncomfortable. We must respond. Thanks for reading, God bless.

Anthony Hall is a senior social studies education major from King, N.C.