Religious Tolerance -- Too much of a good thing?

[Melody]

From my viewpoint, religious tolerance (from all religions towards all other religions) is nothing but a good thing and absolutely necessary if there is ever going to be peace in the world.

Define tolerance.

 

[Green Gaia]

Define tolerance.

Agreeing to disagree, and still be friends.

 

[Melody]

Agreeing to disagree, and still be friends.

Oh heck...that's easy. Heathens number significantly among my close friends. I married one.

 

[Katzpur]

Good for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints .

Now it is a hard question . Does one undermine the message of the Bible if they give out the writings of other religions . Perhaps , to a degree ? But I think that in the bigger picture , it has a message all of it's own . That Christians can respect other religions .

Personally, I think that there is a time and a place to focus on doctrine and a time and a place to focus on people's immediate needs. Immediate needs are not necessarily material in nature. If I were to find myself in the position that so many of these Muslim tsunami victims found themselves in, and one of them offered me a Bible to replace the one I lost, I would be deeply grateful for the generosity. Furthermore, the gesture is one that I would remember for a long, long time. Sometimes, we get so caught up in making sure we don't teach "false doctrine" that we forget what a great teacher example can be.

 

[kreeden]

I can relate, my salvation in Jesus feels like I've got a treasure chest full of gold and I want to open it up and tell everyone to just dig in and take as much as you need, because He will supply every need.

Sabio

Now that I can understand . How could one not want to share ?

 

[DreamQuickBook]

Now that I can understand . How could one not want to share ?

Does anyone have a religion based on a Million Trillion dollars? Because that is a religion I would love to have shared with me. You could share it with me on a Cruise to the Cayman's, or on a plane ride to New Zealand, or ski trip in Aspen! :162:

 

[KirbyFan101]

Jocose,

Christians don't go around trying to convince people *not* to be <name your religion> as much as we try to show them about our loving God and salvation that can be found through Christ. If you were acting equally, you would not be trying to convince people *not* to be Christian, but rather showing them why your beliefs are better. One assumes you believe they are and have reasons?

Is this animosity only towards Christianity or is it towards anyone who believes in God?

Sorry, but handing out newsletters saying "Join Jesus now or be damned!" is nothing of the kind. Your religion has relied on shock tactics and a fear of hell to get people into your religion in the first place. The real question is, how do you convince someone that has sided with the Devil to get into your religion?

Honestly, I would love to believe (trust me, I REALLY want to) that Christianity holds people in by love, dedication and a brighter path. Sadly, I believe that if people had no fear of going to hell, Christianity would be all but empty.

Lets all keep in mind that no-one is representing the Satanist community here. Everyone has a different opinion, and, in fact, "Satanist community" is an oxymoron.

]my salvation in Jesus feels like I've got a treasure chest full of gold and I want to open it up and tell everyone to just dig in and take as much as you need, because He will supply every need.

I find it interesting that you define your religion by greed and material wealth.

 

[michel]

Sorry, but handing out newsletters saying "Join Jesus now or be damned!" is nothing of the kind. Your religion has relied on shock tactics and a fear of hell to get people into your religion in the first place. The real question is, how do you convince someone that has sided with the Devil to get into your religion?

Honestly, I would love to believe (trust me, I REALLY want to) that Christianity holds people in by love, dedication and a brighter path. Sadly, I believe that if people had no fear of going to hell, Christianity would be all but empty.

Lets all keep in mind that no-one is representing the Satanist community here. Everyone has a different opinion, and, in fact, "Satanist community" is an oxymoron.


I find it interesting that you define your religion by greed and material wealth.

I personally don't; I avoid him.

Well, you are quite wrong as far as that is concerned, because that is certainly the least of my criteria for being a Christian.

I find it interesting that whilst Sabio was using a metaphor to represent spiritual wealth, you should immediately assume he meant hard cash - perhaps you might get your vision levelled a bit higher than your wallet.

 

[natural_instinct]

Jocose,

Christians don't go around trying to convince people *not* to be <name your religion> as much as we try to show them about our loving God and salvation that can be found through Christ. If you were acting equally, you would not be trying to convince people *not* to be Christian, but rather showing them why your beliefs are better. One assumes you believe they are and have reasons?

Is this animosity only towards Christianity or is it towards anyone who believes in God?

I'm sorry, but why should anyone be going around telling anyone their beliefs are better? Just because I believe in something different than you does not necessarily mean that my belief is better and that is why I believe in it, perhaps it is better just for me. I think that is the problem, everyone assumes what they believe is best for everyone else and tolerance is just another word thrown out there used carelessly. If you were truly tolerant of anothers religion you wouldnt be trying to show them anything much less prove that your belief is better. I dont preach my faith because its MY faith, my belief, it has NO impact on your life whatsover, what makes you think your belief would or could have any impact on mine?

 

[michel]

I'm sorry, but why should anyone be going around telling anyone their beliefs are better? Just because I believe in something different than you does not necessarily mean that my belief is better and that is why I believe in it, perhaps it is better just for me. I think that is the problem, everyone assumes what they believe is best for everyone else and tolerance is just another word thrown out there used carelessly. If you were truly tolerant of anothers religion you wouldnt be trying to show them anything much less prove that your belief is better. I dont preach my faith because its MY faith, my belief, it has NO impact on your life whatsover, what makes you think your belief would or could have any impact on mine?

I must admit I tend to agree with you; I can't see the validity in cold calling to find more recruits; I go about my own way - if anyone should ask me, I'll tell them; but only if I am asked.

 

[Sabio]

Does anyone have a religion based on a Million Trillion dollars? Because that is a religion I would love to have shared with me. You could share it with me on a Cruise to the Cayman's, or on a plane ride to New Zealand, or ski trip in Aspen! :162:

Jocose,

In heaven gold and earthly riches will be so far down on the scale of desirability that they will be used to construct housing and roadways!

Sabio


Revelation 21

All Things Made New

1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John,[a] saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me,[b] “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
6 And He said to me, “It is done![c] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things,[d] and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving,[e] abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
The New Jerusalem


9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me[f] and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”[g] 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy[h] Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. 12 Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.
14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names[i] of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. 17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. 18 The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
The Glory of the New Jerusalem


22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it,[j] for the glory[k] of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24 And the nations of those who are saved[l] shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.[m] 25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.[n] 27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes[o] an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

 

[michel]

Does anyone have a religion based on a Million Trillion dollars? Because that is a religion I would love to have shared with me. You could share it with me on a Cruise to the Cayman's, or on a plane ride to New Zealand, or ski trip in Aspen! :162:

Maybe you don't know, historically, it can be shown that money doesn't buy hapiness.

 

[Sabio]

I find it interesting that you define your religion by greed and material wealth.

KIrby,

Nice shot below the belt trying to spin what I said, but I don't think anyone is going to buy your false interpretation.

Sabio

 

[Sabio]

I'm sorry, but why should anyone be going around telling anyone their beliefs are better? Just because I believe in something different than you does not necessarily mean that my belief is better and that is why I believe in it, perhaps it is better just for me. I think that is the problem, everyone assumes what they believe is best for everyone else and tolerance is just another word thrown out there used carelessly. If you were truly tolerant of anothers religion you wouldnt be trying to show them anything much less prove that your belief is better. I dont preach my faith because its MY faith, my belief, it has NO impact on your life whatsover, what makes you think your belief would or could have any impact on mine?

Natural,

If I saw you eating hamburger, I would surely offer you a piece of my steak... Is this wrong to try and share if I believe that what I have will benefit you (eternally)? Isn't this the compassion all of the non-christians are expecting to see from Christians?

Sabio

 

[Sabio]

I must admit I tend to agree with you; I can't see the validity in cold calling to find more recruits; I go about my own way - if anyone should ask me, I'll tell them; but only if I am asked.

Michel,

God will never send you out on a "cold call", the Holy Spirit has already proceeded your arrival!

Sabio

 

[natural_instinct]

Natural,

If I saw you eating hamburger, I would surely offer you a piece of my steak... Is this wrong to try and share if I believe that what I have will benefit you (eternally)? Isn't this the compassion all of the non-christians are expecting to see from Christians?

Sabio

Ok what if you saw me eating a hamburger and offered me steak only to realize its a veggie burger. How do I benefit from that? It's not wrong to share if the person asked you to share. I wouldn't pressume to know anything about you just because you were eating steak and I wasn't. Why would you think just because I'm eating hamburger I would want your steak and than benefit from it.

Assuming other people need saving is what gets people into trouble, thats where tolerance ends. You're not tolerant of what I believe in if you're constantly trying to persuade me to something else. Again, I dont preach what I believe because its MY belief, mine and only mine. Why would what YOU believe benefit me?? The compassion I want from Christians and people of other faiths is to understand the sole fact that if I believe in something different from you it neither makes me bad, nor does it make me wrong. That is a concept I find Christians are hard to grasp.

 

[Sabio]

Ok what if you saw me eating a hamburger and offered me steak only to realize its a veggie burger. How do I benefit from that? It's not wrong to share if the person asked you to share. I wouldn't pressume to know anything about you just because you were eating steak and I wasn't. Why would you think just because I'm eating hamburger I would want your steak and than benefit from it.

Assuming other people need saving is what gets people into trouble, thats where tolerance ends. You're not tolerant of what I believe in if you're constantly trying to persuade me to something else. Again, I dont preach what I believe because its MY belief, mine and only mine. Why would what YOU believe benefit me?? The compassion I want from Christians and people of other faiths is to understand the sole fact that if I believe in something different from you it neither makes me bad, nor does it make me wrong. That is a concept I find Christians are hard to grasp.

Natural,

So I guess you did not like my analogy? The whole point is that I would "offer" you, not push you down on the ground and shove a steak in your mouth!

Jesus does not force Himself on anyone, as seen in His Word.

Isaiah 1:18
“ Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “ Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.

Sabio

 

[natural_instinct]

I understood your analogy and thought it perfect example. I think you missed my point of you making an "offer" based on a presumption and how wrong that can be.

Explain to me why you would think to make that offer in the first place?

 

[Sabio]

I understood your analogy and thought it perfect example. I think you missed my point of you making an "offer" based on a presumption and how wrong that can be.

Explain to me why you would think to make that offer in the first place?

Natural,

In the analogy I did not "make you an offer" similar to making a sales call, or "pitching a business deal". I saw a obvious need and made myself available to help meet that need if possible. It is the "good samaritan" idea, though sometimes a good samaritan is rejected by the people that most need help...

Sabio

 

[natural_instinct]

Natural,

In the analogy I did not "make you an offer" similar to making a sales call, or "pitching a business deal". I saw a obvious need and made myself available to help meet that need if possible. It is the "good samaritan" idea, though sometimes a good samaritan is rejected by the people that most need help...

Sabio

now wait a min, in your analogy you saw me eating a hamburger and offered me steak. where is the need? I wasn't starving, I was eating a hamburger. See, you presume to think that I was in need. When someone doesn't need help the only thing a "good samaritan" is, is a pest. Sorry.

You dont seem to be getting it.