Tolerance

In America, we have a very skewed idea of what tolerance is. Let me start off by saying what it is not. Tolerance is not the expectation that those with differing opinions, practices or beliefs must change their opinions, practices or beliefs to match the social norm. Tolerance also is not forcing those with differing opinions, practices or beliefs to "keep quiet and deal" with the social norm, pretending to agree though they do not. Tolerance is peacefully accepting that there will always be differing opinions, practices or beliefs. You do not have to agree in order to peacefully accept that fact. You can debate and still peacefully accept that fact. I do not have a problem with those people who are choosing to no longer support Chik-Fil-A. I do not have a problem with those people who have chosen to verbalize their disagreement. I do have a problem with those people who have resorted to name calling. If a Christian verbalizes personal beliefs that marriage should be reserved for a man and woman, (s)he is a bigot. If anyone verbalizes personal beliefs that marriage should be open to homosexuals and heterosexuals, alike, (s)he is brave and applauded for, in my opinion, doing no more than repeating what is socially expected and tolerated. How is calling anyone names any form of tolerance? Saying someone is a sinner isn't calling names from a Christian standpoint, it's sheer fact. It's not feeling superior, either. Christians do not feel they are above sinning or above sinners, Christians believe they are forgiven and loved despite sinning and despite being a sinner. Christians believe anyone can be forgiven and everyone is loved, despite sinning. Christians believe no-one is exempt from sin except God, Himself (and Jesus and the Holy Spirit, as they are one). There is no tolerance in name calling. There is no tolerance in calling someone ignorant. It saddens me to see how many people prefer to have the right to free speech taken than to truly tolerate the different beliefs, practices and opinions. All I ask is for tolerance, true tolerance. If you disagree with Mr. Cathy, show it with your wallet and/or your tolerant words, not with name calling. If you agree with Mr. Cathy, show it with your wallet and/or your tolerant words, not with name calling. After all, you'll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.