Jesus’ intelorance was always loving

Tolerance may do well, unless people are in danger. My son might believe it is safe for him to run across the road but I’m intolerant of that belief and behaviour. Instead, because I love him, I shout ‘stop’ and grab him. My friend might believe that alcohol doesn’t affect his driving ability but I’m intolerant of that. Instead, because I love him, I’ll take his car keys and drive him home myself. Jesus knows that people whose views, beliefs, and behaviours differ to his own are in danger. Jesus knows that certain beliefs lead to death, and judgement, and hell. Jesus knows that certain lifestyles are actually harmful to those who practice them. If Jesus had simply tolerated different views and behaviours he’d have smiled, waved, and done nothing. He’d have left people in deadly danger. But instead, Jesus loves people whose beliefs and behaviours differ from his.

This is why Christians get so much criticism.

They couch their intolerant behavior in religion and expect us just to accept it as the love of Jesus manifested through them. But that’s not what it is. Sure, Jesus knew certain beliefs lead to death, judgement, and hell but he didn’t bully prostitutes or shun lepers. He also didn’t rape little boys and steal them from their families and claim it was love. And the primary object of his greatest act of intolerance was with the church that claimed to represent him and his father.

Christianity is under attack. By so-called Christians doing deeply un-Christian things. They play the victim as they victimize others. Their love is narcissistic. And their actions are evil.

#NotAllChristians or whatever.

From one of my favorite authors and her blog:

I don’t think God is calling us to look out for ourselves.