Christian are supposed to show tolerance, yet some who claim to be Christians often vilify people such as gays and lesbians. How can true Christians support such intolerance?
This is a very complicated question with many confusing factors and concepts which are often misconstrued. It is not a question which can be answered with just a few words or even just a few paragraphs. The question also illustrates how “tolerance” is often confused with “compassion.” Indeed, Christians are commanded to be compassionate: “love one another” (John 13:34); “love your neighbor” (Matthew 19:19); and “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). At the same time it must not be assumed that love conveys approval nor that the person expressing love condones an action. Visiting a convict in prison is an act of compassion, perhaps even love, but that does not mean the visitor approves of the prisoner’s choices which resulted in time behind bars. Similarly, sometimes parents have to express their love for a child in the form of “tough love.” The parable of the “Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:30-35) and Jesus metaphorically comparing compassion for the incarcerated, the hungry, the thirsty, the s
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- I know a great many good and honest people who do not even claim to be Christians; why don they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ?
- How far can schools go in teaching tolerance for gays and lesbians?
