Hell Bound Tolerance

The lyrics of Bob Dylan's ode, "The Times They Are A-Changin'", depicted his views on social injustices. His intention was to focus on the unhelpful attitude of government of his time. Yet, the song remains timeless because the times do keep changing. Today, however, that change is far from the ideal held by most Christians. Although there is an outcry for tolerance from the secular world, Christians remain loyal to the moral ideals of the Church.

Our ancestors would raise more than an eyebrow at what passes for a 'right' these days. The sexual revolution, and a downward spiral in moral living, brought us unfettered abortion, the celebration of homosexuality, and an across the board relevantism that has many scratching their heads in confusion. Jesus instructs us to love, yet He also gives us a clear definition of the sins to avoid. The standards by which we live are absolute. A quick look at the Ten Commandments is all the verification needed. Yet, when we voice concern about the rampant degeneration of morals, we are quickly reminded to be tolerant.

Do Not Be Tolerant of Sin

All forms of deviant behavior find cover under this manufactured umbrella of conscience. Whether same-sex ‘marriage‘, abortion, or ‘Drag Queen Story Hour our morally correct aversion is deemed judgmental and unloving. Society cautions us about the love of neighbor.

Yet, Jesus warned us of the path traveled by the majority. He admonished us to choose the narrow gate.

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7: 13 – 14 

Tolerance has become the word of the century. Lest we be accused of being intolerant, we stay silent on the most obnoxious topics. There is an all-out war raging against what is good, right, and just. Yet we sit in our pews weekly (weakly) and listen to the Word, but the meaning of the words has been weakened by tolerance. Lest we offend some self-proclaimed special interest group, we seek to be the epitome of tolerance. Love of neighbor has been co-opted by tolerance. Instead of preaching the Gospel we give weak-kneed responses of love and platitudes. Not the love of the Bible, not the love of Jesus, but the love of today.

Manufactured Tolerance

Love today means tolerating each manufactured sect. It means never having to say you’re sorry – because you have shown love in the form of tolerance. In the meantime, our children are not being taught history. So how can they learn from it? Our children are not being taught, sacrificial love. So how can they emulate it?

Our weakness is Satan’s strength. As he strives to ruin souls, we assist him by remaining tolerant. In our fear to offend and to show how loving we are, we fail to name the sin. In failing to name it, we all but eliminate a way to fight it. What medicine can cure a disease that has yet to be named?

False Peace

So sinfulness goes answered and tolerance creates a false sense of peace. Yes, love is patient and love is kind. Yet love is also harsh. What parent wouldn’t shout loudly if a child were to quickly approach physical danger? Why then, do we struggle to do the same with spiritual danger?

No man is an island unto himself. We are not in this world alone. Everyone is our child, our family, our neighbor. We are called to love them all – even to our enemy. To do any less is to cooperate with evil. So why do we walk away when we see blatant sinfulness affecting those around us? Do we not have an obligation to name the sin and then fight against it? To illuminate it and shed light onto the darkness?

Both Prayer and Action

Prayer serves the largest purpose in our lives. Yet prayer alone is not enough. Prayer must lead to action. Prayer must nourish and strengthen resolve. We are tasked to be the Church Militant. Praying and staying silent provides no tangible good.