What Is "Tolerance"?

The concept of tolerance implies a close relationship to the truth. Contrary to popular definitions, true tolerance means "putting up with error" - not "being accepting of all views." We don't tolerate what we enjoy or approve of - like chocolate or Bach's music. By definition, what we tolerate is what we disapprove of or what we believe to be false and erroneous. Furthermore, tolerance presupposes an adequate grasp of what another person believes - as well as a knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of such belief. Actually, if disagreement didn't exist, then tolerance would be unnecessary. It is because real differences exist between people that tolerance becomes necessary and virtuous. 

Paul Copan, "Who Are You to Judge Others?" (article in the Areopagus Journal, July 2001)