I’m o.k. – you’re pure evil.
~ Frank Bruni, The New York Times (1)
Christian philosopher and professor J.P. Moreland sums up a big problem: “tolerance” doesn’t mean what it use to mean. (2)
Classic tolerance: “You’re wrong, and I’m right,” AND now I’ve got something to tolerate. I’m going to be civil to you and respect your right to be wrong (and even spread your ideas).
Contemporary tolerance: It’s wrong to judge that someone else is wrong.
Contemporary tolerance fails on two fronts.
One, it’s impossible to live consistently. Saying “It’s wrong to judge” is itself a judgement, a contradiction.
Second, it’s deeply immoral because silences the protest against evil. Imagine telling Martin Luther King to be more tolerant and that he should just keep his religion to himself!
If you’re feeling snarky, you might ask someone if we should tolerate intolerant people.
More politely, simply ask the question, “When is tolerance immoral?” and listen closely to the response.
Notes
(1) I have no idea what Frank Bruni’s religion is, if any, but I’m O.K., -- You’re Pure Evil is an astute look at the changing landscape of politics as a barometer of culture (and the headline says it all).
(2) This is from my notes sitting in a class Dr. Moreland was teaching.