A Picture of True Tolerance

| January 31, 2013
Shane Windmeyer and Dan Cathy

Shane Windmeyer and Dan Cathy

We write quite a bit about the same-sex marriage debate here at Caffeinated Thoughts, as well as, other stories that about how our culture has been impacted by LGBT activism.  We do so unapologetically, but I know I’ve personally dealt with labels being attached to me – homophobic, hatemonger, intolerant, a bigot and so on and so forth.  It is disheartening that we can not have a civil conversation about issues as important as marriage.  I’m not going to claim perfection in this area as I’m sure I could go back and look at past posts and see where I crossed the line.  On the flip side I know there are Christians who look at every homosexual as somebody who is out to destroy their religious liberty, and that isn’t the case either.

Frankly what is called tolerance today isn’t tolerance.  It’s agreement entered into with the threat of labels.  That is why the story of Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy and Shane Windmeyer, the executive director of Campus Pride, is remarkable.  They engaged each other in conversation and yet neither gave up their convictions.  They were able to foster mutual respect and become friends.

I don’t agree with everything that I read in this article, but this is a picture of what true tolerance looks like.  We can have a disagreement on certain issues and yet still be friends.  If we disagree about same-sex marriage it doesn’t mean we hate gay people and vice versa.  Tolerance doesn’t mean agreement because to show true tolerance you must have a disagreement.

 Two verses come to mind, one I wrote briefly about on my blog today – Ephesians 4:15.  We can speak truthfully, but lack love. 1 Peter 3:15-16 says that we are to give the reason for the hope that we have, but do so with gentleness and respect.

True tolerance.  If those of us who are Christ-followers would seek to do this we would find opportunities to minister.  If we would reach out.  If we would engage outside of the political process we may see more of this.

Thoughts?

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Category: Cultural Commission, Engaging Culture

About the Author ()

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts.  He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm.  He is a communications director for American Principles Project’s Preserve Innocence Initiative.  Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings.  He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought after speaker and pulpit fill-in.  Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids.  Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA.  You can connect with Shane on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Google +.
  • http://twitter.com/AdamBSullivan Adam B Sullivan

    It seems like each side is apt to criticize the other for name-calling, but very rarely does anyone call out someone on their own side for being intolerant.

    • http://shanevanderhart.com/ Shane Vander Hart

      That’s true.

  • http://www.facebook.com/inHisconfidence Jenifer Lynn

    Yes! This. We throw around pithy little feel-good phrases like “love the sinner…hate the sin.” And then SHOW ABSOLUTELY NO LOVE.

  • John Watkins

    I never couch any of my arguments in tolerance. I know there will be some people who can’t stand me, and I’m honestly okay with that. There’s enough people who love me that I’m getting by just fine, thank you very much.

    Marriage equality, though, is a very personal issue. See, I’d really like to see my brother get married, and not some sham marriage to a woman, and I’ll put in the work to make it happen. I hope those of you with family that you love will understand just how much you’d actually do for them. That applies here. I’ve seen my brother when he was in the closet, and I’ve seen him now that he’s out and has a boyfriend. However strong your convictions, just as strong is my conviction that he is happier now than he was before.

    You don’t have to accept marriage equality. You don’t even have to tolerate it. You just have to get over it. Because honestly, I prioritize my brother’s happiness over your discomfort.

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