To Be Tolerant or Not To Be Tolerant?
In the year of our Lord 1776, a Nation was constructed upon a foundation of Freedom. Freedom from Kings and Queens, Freedom of religion, and Freedom from unlawful taxation. In our Constitution our Fore Fathers stated that ” People” have certain unalienable rights. Rights that were given to us from our Creator, for all men and woman. This includes all Religions, Races and Creeds.
Our Nation was still is divided on this concept of Rights. Not even the Civil War was able to end the debate on Freedom of Religion, and Freedom for all Races and Creeds. Men and Women have sacrificed their lives to live Free. Joseph Smith for Religion, Martin Luther King Jr. for Race, and Woman activists for Gender. Still today we fight for Race, Religion, and Sexuality.
With all the Wars that have been fought, all the lives that have been taken, and all the hatred that permeates from leaders of our Religions, and Government. Tolerance seems to be an unachievable goal for a Nation built upon Freedom for all. Why is there so much hatred and guile for our fellow men and woman, brothers and sisters, and Americans? If we knew the answer I think we would have a solution. Government passes laws to combat this turmoil, Religion quote passages of scripture in all denominations. Still there seems to be no ability to create Peace.
Is Peace just another term for faith, things hoped for with the evidence of things unseen? I believe it all stems from the universal sin of Pride. There is no need to be prideful. Confidence Yes, but not pride. Tolerance is not acceptance!! We must be tolerant of peoples choices, but we do not have to accept them for ourselves. Obviously when it comes to things criminal there is zero acceptance. For Religious or Sexual preferance, we have the freedom to choose as long as the law allows us that choice.
As we come to end of another year let us all make number One on our list of New year Resolutions to be more tolerant of those you do not hold our same views in Religion, Politics and who to root for on any given Saturday or Sunday, and sometimes Monday. I know for myself I will be more tolerant of peoples choices and ideologies, that does not mean I have to incorperate them for myslef or my family. Let us all Stand a little taller and be filled with more love and kindness.
“For Religious or Sexual preferance, we have the freedom to choose as long as the law allows us that choice.” That is a silly statement. Sexual preference is not a choice, religion is. The law should have no say in what you do with your religion, you should be able to worship a turtle if that is what you believe in. I always get a kick when LDS folks speak about trying to be more tolerable of others.. as if they are better than everyone. If Joseph Smith were alive today, do you know what he would be? A Pimp. He, according to your beliefs, has many wives up in heaven. Utah is the only state where these beliefs are “normal”. All in all, it’s a good post and good message though.