Bible Study Josh McDowell: Tolerance is one of the most evil concepts taught in the world

[TonyChanYT]

Oxford, tolerant:

able to accept what other people say or do even if you do not agree with it

Apparently, Josh McDowell lacked this ability. He said:

Tolerance is one of the most evil concepts taught in the world.

This demonstrated his intolerant attitude. He conflated genuine tolerance with moral relativism. Genuine tolerance, as defined by sources like the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, involves accepting others despite disagreement while maintaining one’s own convictions. It does not require endorsing or affirming beliefs or actions that conflict with one’s principles.

I wouldn't teach my kids to be tolerant because when you tolerate someone, you diminish their value. I didn't raise my children to be tolerant because I am a loving father. I raise my children to be loving.

Well, as a loving father, I raised my children to be both loving and tolerant.

He continued:

You show me one verse in the Bible that says that we should be tolerant.

Sure, what did Paul say?

BSB, Ro 14:

1 Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.

Accept
προσλαμβάνεσθε (proslambanesthe)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural

Paul commanded believers to have the ability to accept others who didn't eat meat.

2 For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him.

God also possesses this ability to accept.

4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

BDAG:
④ to extend a welcome, receive in(to) one’s home or circle of acquaintances, mid. τινά someone (2 Macc 10:15) of one Christian receiving another Ro 14:1; 15:7a. Of God or Christ accepting a believer

Elsewhere, Paul reinforced this tolerance concept in (NIV) Ga 5:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

BDAG:
② state of being able to bear up under provocation, forbearance, patience toward others

There is no law against forbearance or tolerance.

The Bible teaches principles that align with genuine tolerance through the concepts of acceptance, forbearance, and love.

The question is not whether we should be intolerant but when. As a wholesome people, we should carry a tolerant attribute with love toward other people.

 

[jonathanbrickman0000]

Indeed. In other words: do we love our neighbor as ourselves?