Paul Copan, "Who Are You to Judge Others?" (article in the Areopagus Journal, July 2001)
Thursday, January 16, 2014
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)
Paul Copan, "Who Are You to Judge Others?" (article in the Areopagus Journal, July 2001)
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2 comments:
Glenn: I like your idea for this new blog. "Tolerance" is another of those things that unbelievers don't seem to understand. Christians, conservatives, etc. are expected to be "tolerant," meaning "accept what I do as normal but don't expect the same courtesy in return." I addressed this same issue last month on my blog. http://buffalonoise.blogspot.com/2013/12/love-does-not-mean-compromise_11.html
Oh, I read that article. It is a good one!
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