On Tolerance

May 15, 2002

Hello everyone,

An incident recently took place in Lancaster, California, on March 16, in commemoration of the spring equinox, corresponding to one of the eight main pagan holidays. The pagans (presumably Wiccans) had gathered in the parking lot of the Witches Grove gift shop, owned by High Priestess Cyndia Riker, who hosted the event. In an act of good will, they invited the public to their festivities, which, among other things, was to include melting chocolate rabbits, stirring the then molten mixture with pretzels in a symbolic portrayal of the union of the (Earth) Goddess and the (Horned) God, in accordance with Wiccan theology.

A group of Christians showed up, and surrounding the pagans, began to pray quietly. As the festivities escalated, so did the Christians. They began to pray louder and louder, and when the pagans began to chant, the Christians drowned the pagans out with praise music, finally forcing the ceremony to a grinding halt. What do you think would likely have happened if these Christians had been gathered together in and a group of pagans had come in and disbanded the proceedings, drowning them out with their pagan chants? (See Witches say Christians Violated Their Rights for complete details.)

The two most important commandments that Jesus gave were to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:28-31). This “golden rule” is a very foundational element to the teachings of Jesus, and one in which these Christians were sadly lacking. They would have done better to have listened to the advice given by the author of 1 Peter: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

We do not have to appeal to the bible to understand the idea of “tolerance,” however:

tolerance [tólleranss] (plural tol·er·ances) noun

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acceptance of different views: the acceptance of the differing views of other people, for example, in religious or political matters, and fairness toward the people who hold these different views

Tolerance is not necessarily agreeing with everything everyone says. However, that is not to say that we cannot strive to find common ground as much as is possible. We do well to thoughtfully and honestly listen to opposing viewpoints, carefully considering their merits, for we have much to learn from the different ideas of another. True tolerance values other people’s rights—even when we disagree with another’s beliefs—treating the individual with respect, courtesy, and compassion. Intelligent people are, in fact, quite capable of disagreeing with one another in civilized ways.

There’s another word to consider here: “pluralism.” Pluralism is defined as a “society with different internal groups: the existence of groups with different ethnic, religious, or political backgrounds within one society.” The idea of pluralism implies the diversity of belief. Getting along with one another is obviously a higher ethical standard and a worthy one.

In parting, I can vividly recall a Wiccan who showed me great kindness when I was feeling very despondent one day. Do you know what he did? He didn’t try to convert me. He simply showed me thoughtfulness and consideration when he really had no good reason for doing so: he acted with no thought of himself, asking nothing in return. You know, it’s funny. I can’t think of that man without a sense of gratitude and respect welling up within my heart. His compassion spoke volumes; his compassion told me of his character, the substance of which he was made radiating out from within him. It was such a small thing he did really, and yet I would gladly listen to his beliefs, carefully considering his words, for his actions have shown me he very likely has something to say worthy of my consideration.

God bless,
Eric

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