What should a Christian do when convictions violate a tolerant society?

Answer

Many individuals in today’s society aspire to see themselves as “tolerant.” By this, they typically mean “I accept people for who they are without passing judgment on any action or lifestyle choice.” However, a Christian informed by the Bible cannot, in good conscience, endorse all actions or lifestyle choices; the Bible clearly identifies certain lifestyles as sinful and displeasing to God. When a Christian’s beliefs conflict with society’s standard of tolerance, they are often branded as “intolerant,” “bigoted,” or worse. Ironically, those who profess to be the most tolerant are often the least tolerant of the Christian worldview.

At times, the clash between Christian beliefs and secular tolerance standards involves a Christian business being compelled to photograph gay engagements, bake cakes, provide flowers for gay weddings, or rent rooms to gay couples. In other instances, the conflict is more private, involving personal acquaintances who disagree with a Christian’s conviction against getting drunk at a party, for instance, or cohabiting before marriage.

A fundamental principle that addresses many issues was articulated by Peter before the Sanhedrin: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” «Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. », (Acts 5:29). Regardless of the pressure exerted by society, the follower of Christ recognizes who their Lord is and chooses to obey Him. In a sinful world that rejected Christ, this will inevitably lead to some conflict. The “tolerance” advocated by the world does not accommodate Christian convictions, but for the redeemed who walk in the Spirit, Christian convictions are essential. The Bible establishes a distinction between right and wrong, and no amount of sensitivity training or encounter group sessions can alter that.

If we define tolerance as “to endure or allow the existence of behaviors or beliefs that one disagrees with,” then Christians can be the most tolerant people of all, as they are called to love even those they disagree with.

When faced with something one does not like, we could say that tolerance does not necessitate approval or support. In this context, Christians should strive to be as tolerant as possible, so that our loving nature is evident to all “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”, (Matthew 5:16). We should be willing to endure a lot. In most situations, we should be able to manage our impulse to resent something we find distasteful. The issue arises when tolerance is interpreted in a way that suggests acceptance or approval of what one finds offensive. A Christian with Bible-based beliefs can acknowledge that people sin, but must still identify it as “sin.” A Christian’s beliefs do not permit approval of sin in any way.

Regardless of its definition, tolerance has its boundaries: what message would a church convey by conducting “interactive” services with a witch coven? What if a judge opted to “tolerate” perjury—allowing it in the courtroom, despite personal distaste? How much disrespect should a teacher be willing to “tolerate” in her classroom? What if a surgeon started to “tolerate” septic conditions in the operating room?

When a believer discovers that his Christian convictions clash with someone’s interpretation of tolerance, he should promptly take the following steps: 1) Pray for wisdom and courage. 2) Evaluate his convictions to ensure they align with what the Bible actually teaches, rather than personal preferences. Taking a stand against participating in a joint Hindu-Christian worship service is biblically defensible; opposing the inclusion of ethnically diverse food at the church potluck is not. 3) Dedicate himself to loving his enemies and doing good to them (Matthew 5:38-48). 4) Resolve to approach the conflict “with compassion, kindness, humility, andLity, gentleness, and patience” «Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; », (Colossians 3:12). 5) If legal issues come into play, explore his rights under the law (see Acts 16:37-38;21:39).

Even in the midst of a conflict between godly convictions and secular tolerance, Christians must demonstrate Christ’s love and righteousness, exemplifying how truth and love can coexist. In every situation, we should exhibit “deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” «Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. », (James 3:13). Our conduct should be such “that those who speak maliciously against [our] good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” «having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. », (1 Peter 3:16).