walking the fence in an effort to be nice to others? If someone has views diametrically opposed to yours can you claim to be tolerant and still stand bold for your own faith?
2006-11-12 13:17:08 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Scripture says, "No man can serve two masters. For he would love one and hate the other." We must be tolerant as individuals, for the Scripture also teaches that we are to "obey the ordinances of the land for the Lord's sake", even where it speaks of freedom of religion. But, as Christians, we must NOT be tolerant to the point of acceptance of a specific point of view in another faith, for that is the beginning of confusion.
2006-11-13 05:17:52 · answer #1 · answered by bigvol662004 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being tolerant, respectful and accepting of others should not take "walking the fence" of your religion. Even if you are completely opposed to someones religion you should show them respect. It is more about seeing everyone as citizens of the same world, not members of other faiths. If anyone wants to receive respect, they must first provide it. I am firm in what I believe, yet I have studied numerous religions and associate with mostly people of other faiths. Religion is personal, and often certain personal matters need to remain that way.
2006-11-13 19:12:41 · answer #2 · answered by straightup 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can. People have opposed others views since God created man. As long as you maintain your faith in God and his teachings and can support your beliefs out of the Bible you can remain tolerant to those who oppose your beliefs. So as long as you as you go through life you will find those who oppose you and your faith. All you can do is listen to them and when you can dispute what they say with facts from the Bible then thats the time to do it. Remember dont just tell them they are wrong but say that is an interesting point but the Bible says this. Then let it sink in for a minute and see if they ask for more.
2006-11-12 21:36:18 · answer #3 · answered by richard b 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Just because you are tolerant of other religions, you are still definitely in agreement with your own beliefs.
Let's say your Jewish and your best friend is Catholic. You can still be tolerant of your friend's religion and yet believe in your own. Being tolerant means that you can accept other's beliefs, not that you don't believe in your own.
2006-11-12 21:21:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes...as long as your relationship with them, doesn't start to influence your beliefs regarding your faith! And in reality, if you know that your faith is a little weak or needs to grow, then it is NOT wise to "be nice" and "tolerant". Because, you will find yourself questioning specifics of what you believe in comparison to your friend.
This reminds me of how I am in regard to a homosexual friend; I believe that being gay goes against biblical truths! However, I can still do as the bible says and love thy neighbor regardless of his or her personal preferences. The relationship is not an issue for me, because I am not "influenced" by the persons beliefs. I am happily married, etc.
Be mindful, prayerful, and look for opportunities to be enlightening.
2006-11-12 22:10:45 · answer #5 · answered by Lady Albritton 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can be tolerant without agreeing with their views.
I have friends who are pagan. What am I going to do? Say I don’t want to be friends any more now hat I’m a Christian? Build a big bonfire in my back yard and burn them alive? Or continue to love them despite our differences?
Seems like an obvious choice to me.
2006-11-12 21:27:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I have a friend who is a Jehovah Witness and we agreed not to discuss religion. She knows I only believe in Roman Catholicism. My husband & I have many friends of other religions. I know you are suppose to convert all people to your own faith, but I wasn't raise like that. My parent's taught me to be tolorant of other people's beliefs. They only time I might say something would be if someone was trying to force their beliefs on me.
2006-11-12 21:26:01 · answer #7 · answered by pmz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christianity is not about tolerance (if that is your religion).
Three times Jesus called people "vipers" in the gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 23:27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.
Matthew 10:34 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."
When we are dealing with people's sin, the only kind thing to do is to call sin "sin." it would be cruel to call sin anything else, "mistake," "sickness," etc.
For example I confront Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons when they come to my door (I don't go looking for them) because their doctrines are not what I believe.
Other people have differing beliefs from mine, but these are not core doctrines, but secondary things that are fun to talk about, but are not worthy of a break of fellowship over them.
2006-11-12 21:29:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
....if you have to put forth an effort to be nice to others, instead of just BEING nice you are not being nice at all....and for another thing.....you said you "clame" to be tolerant?????? you earth are tolerant or you are not ....there is no inbetween ......to stand bold for your own faith, is great....just as long as you let others stand bold on there faith.......
2006-11-13 01:07:14 · answer #9 · answered by mark22059 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No!
Revelation 3:15,16
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!16 So, because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
therefore-- to be "lukewarm" means you haven't made a true decision to either accept God or not, and your faith, or lack of, is useless to him. (try drinking a lukewarm glass of water, it neither refreshes nor is too hot to touch)
therefore--standing on the "fence" is to have one foot looking at God and his grace and mercy, and one foot in a useless ideology.
Jump! make a choice!
2006-11-12 22:07:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋