Is it better to be steadfast in your opinions or to see merit in every opinion? Read the rest before answering

Question

I tend to do the latter, so theoretically that should be seen as tolerant. But in reality it disturbs some people, because it's difficult to predict where I will stand on a given issue. Worse, I get accused by lefties of being a fundamentalist, and by fundies of being lukewarm. I think Jesus said something to the effect of "Be hot or cold but don't be lukewarm. If you are lukewarm, the Lord will spew you from His mouth." You could say, don't wory what other people think. But that's the point. I'm interested in what other people think. So what do you think?

Answer 1

I think you should be open to hearing other opinions, but I think you should also know where you stand on certain issues and not let yourself be bullied into believing something you don't believe in.

Answer 2

I tried the whole "being moderate" thing for as long as I could until I realized that in most issues, your opinion must fall on either side of the fence. I can respect someone else's opinion only if it's an informed opinion. I may not agree with it for various reasons, but I will nonetheless respect it if the person offering it has conviction of its inherent acceptability supported by facts. Otherwise, anymore I'm labelled as "intolerant" only because I don't accept as correct in form and content evrything someone tries to blow past me. Somethings, even without immediate proof, just seem wrong until you figure it out.

Answer 3

I think you are taking that verse too literal. If you believe in God then be on fire for him be hot for him. However if someone else has a dif view or you may not agree with their view but understand it... There is nothing wrong with that as long as you know who your Lord & Savior is.
I disagree with a lot that I encounter but I can understand why people feel,do, believe the way they do.

I would have asked you to restate the ques but... I hope I understand correctly.

Answer 4

I prefer the openminded but I see the dilema. In fact its my biggest problem with fundies - they spew the spew but don't walk the talk. I guess I'd respect more a fundamentalist who lived what he said (like a Mother Theresa) but like someone more abivilent, if that makes sense.

Answer 5

I think there are some issues where it is important to be firm, and some issues where you should keep an open mind. It's possible to be aware of other's perspectives while still keeping your own point of view.