by Mary E. Preece

Created on: July 24, 2008

Tolerance or Acceptance

I am compelled to write on this subject because I think "tolerance" is a word that can be used in some instances and not acceptance.

I feel I have no prejudices that would keep me from treating anyone with respect and kindness as any decent human being would to another.
To accept violence is not right nor should violence be tolerated by anyone on a personal level whether it's toward someone you love or someone you know just as an acquaintance or even a stranger. Too many today do not want to get involved so they ignore seeing someone being harrassed or abused by violent behavior. Something should always be done about it, legally if you see it, it should be reported.

Races are from God we have no choice as to the color of our skin and should be accepted without question. The character of the person no matter the color of his skin is what matters. If it is flawed by criminal, unethical and immoral behavior then we tolerate those people to an extent. If they are mentally ill, unstable or retarded then we must accept and tolerate as well. But to say I must accept the unacceptable, then that is wrong to ask me to do so.

So what is the unacceptable? My faith is Christian. My belief system is based on what the Bible teaches. To turn against what my Bible teaches me as being unacceptable to please society, would be denying my faith. My faith says there is one God, one faith and one Baptism and no one can come unto the Father except through Jesus Christ his son ( I'm paraphrasing). Sure I can live with other religions around me, but I do not have to accept their religion, nor do they have to accept mine, but we must live in peace with all people as much as possible and tolerate each other's beliefs. Today the Christian faith is under attack for not tolerating other religions when that is not at all what is happening. Other religions are not tolerant of Christians. And often non-believers are more antagonistic toward Christians than any other group. Fellow Americans are turning against the religion this country was founded upon causing much strife in this country with their protests against the Ten Commandments being posted and the use of God's name on our currency etc.

Christians are asked to accept Gay marriages which are totally against the laws of the Bible. If my child was gay, as a mother I would love him but still I could accept the lifestyle. Christians are asked to vote for candidates who support so many things Christians are against, like abortions, with never a thought as to what it does to them inside to go against their faith and belief system. It doesn't matter to those who are against Christians. So to me it seems that Christians are the only ones who are asked to accept anything that is put on their plate, and to swallow whatever it is whether they like it or not. Is that being very tolerant and accepting of Christians? I do not think so. I only pray America's citizens wake up before it is too late. Tolerate what needs to be tolerated and accept what is acceptable but don't deny that which is your faith and Biblical from God.

Learn more about this author, Mary E. Preece.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.