Tolerance is Bad

I was listening to Dr. Mark Ramsden share Is Christianity Arrogant, a Capital Hills Baptist Church "Henry Forum" from September 22, 2004.

In the lecture, he again reminded us of the definition of tolerance.

This highly beloved word, which has become an idol our culture sacrifices all things on, is really negative from the beginning. Ramsden asked the following questions.

1. If you took me out to lunch, and later someone asked me how the company was during that lunch, if my answer was, "tolerable," would you find that complimentary?
2. Again, if I state the food was, "tolerable," does that sound like a restaurant you'd want to frequent?

Tolerance has today been equated with inclusivism. People will regularly get upset with Christianity because of its exclusive claims. However, through recounting past conversations, Ramsden shows us how even the inclusivist is exclusive. They believe all roads lead to God and any religion that teaches otherwise is wrong. So all roads lead unless you think you are the only road?

To tolerate something means you've already made a judgement about something and determined it is subpar. Even though it is inferior, you have decided to allow it's presence.

Ramsden states that when people urge tolerance, they are really setting the bar far too low. Good engagement cannot take place unless respect is the buzz word we're using.