Intolerance. We hear this word thrown around so much today and attached to so many different topics and people. What reaction does that word bring up in you? That one word can stir deep hatred in the heart and mind of someone who otherwise would be a kind, caring, loving person.
Many often think that it is awful when someone is not tolerant of their views, ideas, actions or beliefs. But, what is intolerance, really?
Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary describes intolerance as the inability to be exceptionally sensitive to something. They use being exceptionally sensitive to a drug as an example. But, then they go on to say that specifically it is the inability to be able to properly absorb something.
Why do I bring up intolerance? I have been thinking about it after a recent conversation that my wife and I had. Recently we saw online, and heard on the radio, of HGTV dropping a new television series coming this fall about a couple of Christian brothers, David and Jason Benham, who are real-estate investors. After a group, who does not share the brothers’ view, complained to the cable network, HGTV suddenly dropped the show. In comments posted online, the brothers were vilified by people that obviously did not know them, know what their views were, what the show was to be about, what their comments were – nothing. They were condemned as bigots simply because they have a viewpoint that is contrary to some people.
Bigots, let me remind you, are people that hate. From what I could find online about these brothers, there was no source of hatred from them. They simply have views, as all of us have. It was very obvious also, that the people who were berating them, along with the group that complained to the network, and quite possibly even HGTV themselves, have shown hatred towards these brothers, and their views. Is it possible to compare the people that are spewing hateful comments with people who are prejudiced or hate others simply because of one’s ethnicity or race?
The same could be said about some comments that were made by another individual a few months ago. In that case, A & E, suspended Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty. The resulting backlash caused that network to do a 180-degree turn on their decision within a span of 2 to 3 days, and suspend their suspension. In their actions towards the Robertson family, A & E management conveyed the impression that they considered themselves to be censors, had their own agenda and wished to cater to a few select individuals and groups.
It is sad that many people think that the only opinion that matters is their own. They do not wish to listen to, or engage in, the opinions, feelings and ideas of others. If someone’s opinion does not match theirs, then they think that they have every right to show hatred and contempt towards them.
Does the United States Constitution only protect the free speech of certain groups and individuals? If these people that are showing so much bitterness and venom in their speech and actions want to limit others’ free speech, perhaps they should think about the effects that limiting free speech could one day have on them as well. They should also think about how well they would like their views, opinions and speech to be censored.
This hatefulness and bitterness is often carried to the point that it actually could be likened to character assassination. Do we really want to be someone that hurts, and possibly even kills, the character of somebody else?
It is also possible for me to be critical, or offensive, towards someone that does not have the same opinions and ideas that I have. I do not ever wish to offend anyone. It is hard to not judge, or at the least, compare, someone who is different. I think most people do this. However, it is my hope to be able to show care towards everyone, including those who have viewpoints that are radically different than mine. How can we love those who are different from us? How can I love someone and care for somebody who hates, and possibly even ridicules, my opinions and ideas?
I am also reminded that nearly 2,000 years ago, a Jewish carpenter was crucified on a Roman cross for people that He loved. He did nothing wrong, but, because of others’ venomous hatred, contempt and scorn, He was sent to that cross. Yet, He did not hate those who hated Him.
In closing, I like most other people, have my own personal views and beliefs of what is right and wrong. I realize that not everyone is loving, or even tolerant, towards what I may have to say. However, I try not to condemn anyone because of their own ideas, even if they oppose mine. I believe that all people are valuable since I believe that each of us is created in the image of a loving, merciful God as it says in Genesis 1, verse 27.
Let me encourage you to also consider how you view people. The next time that you talk with, or meet, someone who has different views and opinions than yours, please try to understand where they are coming from. How can we love and respect those who are different from us? How did Jesus love those who loved and persecuted Him?
Have a great day!
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 (NIV)
Reflections from the Road 