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?