Well I’m just going by tolerance or to tolerate as meaning “to allow the existence, presence, practice, or act of something without prohibition or hindrance; permit.”
I see it as, obviously I cannot stop (and wouldnt anyhow) an individual of different faith from practicing their religion. Even though I disagree and do think that they are going to suffer for their faith, doesnt mean I wish that upon them and am filled with hate towards them or theirs. And yeah, thats what turn a lot of people off to Christianity and other religions with a set in stone “right and wrong” philosophy. I have often heard “How can you believe in a just God when he would send someone who lived a better life than many Christians, such as Ghandi, to hell?” And sure, I can see the logic in that, but then the point of Christ and the Bible is not to be a perfect individual, just like the purpose of Hindu and Buddism isnt being perfect, its about striving to be that person, and specifically for Christianity realizing that you are not perfect and need to be forgiven. It is nothing that you DO or DONT do that sends you to heaven or hell, its about understanding the way things are, and then acting upon them. Im sure youre familiar with the whole “forgivness thing.”
So when I would say to someone who asks me if I think they are going to hell, I dont just say, “yeah yer a gonner”, rather I would say “Yes, I do but that isnt set in stone, and I dont believe hell is inevitable” then I would explain that I dont think they’re going to hell because I hate them, or I think that I am the cats pajamas and everyone else is gonna burn. But rather that I believe that there is a way OUT, and that I would highly suggest them looking into it if they are so inclined.
When I say that, it takes the “fuck you bitch yer gonna burn!” attitude out of the situation, and instead brings an easier less confrontational realization to the table, while still maintaining that yes, I do actually think you’ll go to hell. I think this is a common way of approaching the situation, and personally I havnt seen much prejudice rise from it. But there certainly is a number of people that just get instantly bitter when they realize that some people think they are going to hell.
Thats not how I feel about the issue, and I dont really think its a common mindset. Especially when Christians are trying to “go out and be a light unto the world.” A Christian isnt worried about being sent to hell for being around the actions of others, as there is crime and moral decay all over and is unavoidable. The whole idea is to reach the people that are least likely to ever consider God in the first place, there for Christians are quite often found with people that otherwise are non-believers that are participating in things that a religious person would not. There are lots of mentions in the Bible about how Jesus was criticized for hanging out with Prostitutes, addicts and other scum. And he would explain that “preaching to the choir” accomplishes nothing and you should go to the unbelievers and pagans in hopes of talking to them and explaining your side of life.
This type of “spread the word” tactic, is what historically has gotten many religious people killed and persecuted, because the Christians would go into the public arena and speak. Then through hearing them, many people would convert.
But there are many isolationist religions that do give the PISS OFF AND DIE to others.
Not to spread disschord amongst different religions, but yeah I would say that the Mormons have had some amazingly baffling changes of heart in the short time they have been around.
I know one of the major reasons that the Union had been pushing for the abolition of slavery was due to pre-existing verses in the Bible, saying that all men were equal before God, so in that case the Bible predated the change of heart. But Mormons follow the “Book of Mormon” which is in a world of its own. I dont know much about it, so I cant really talk. But I wonder if they ever had texts reading that blacks suck and multiple women rock. Even more interesting would be if it was EDITED at one point.
