In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Brett Cane, an Anglican priest in Winnipeg, explains how subtle but significant transformations have taken place in our definition and view of "tolerance". Unlike the traditional definition whereby one recognizes and respects other's beliefs, practices, etc., without necessarily agreeing or sympathizing with them, according to Cane, a new definition has emerged, which he calls the “new tolerance”. According to the new definition in use today, “every individual’s beliefs, values, lifestyle and truth claims are equally valid”. The new tolerance “demands praise and endorsement of that person's beliefs, values and lifestyles”. Cane then goes on to explain the implications of the "new tolerance" for society and Christians (including the repression of public discourse) and what should be a Christian's response in this new climate of what is really an abuse of tolerance or "anti-tolerance".
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Abuse of Tolerance
The Abuse of Tolerance
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Brett Cane, an Anglican priest in Winnipeg, explains how subtle but significant transformations have taken place in our definition and view of "tolerance". Unlike the traditional definition whereby one recognizes and respects other's beliefs, practices, etc., without necessarily agreeing or sympathizing with them, according to Cane, a new definition has emerged, which he calls the “new tolerance”. According to the new definition in use today, “every individual’s beliefs, values, lifestyle and truth claims are equally valid”. The new tolerance “demands praise and endorsement of that person's beliefs, values and lifestyles”. Cane then goes on to explain the implications of the "new tolerance" for society and Christians (including the repression of public discourse) and what should be a Christian's response in this new climate of what is really an abuse of tolerance or "anti-tolerance".
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Brett Cane, an Anglican priest in Winnipeg, explains how subtle but significant transformations have taken place in our definition and view of "tolerance". Unlike the traditional definition whereby one recognizes and respects other's beliefs, practices, etc., without necessarily agreeing or sympathizing with them, according to Cane, a new definition has emerged, which he calls the “new tolerance”. According to the new definition in use today, “every individual’s beliefs, values, lifestyle and truth claims are equally valid”. The new tolerance “demands praise and endorsement of that person's beliefs, values and lifestyles”. Cane then goes on to explain the implications of the "new tolerance" for society and Christians (including the repression of public discourse) and what should be a Christian's response in this new climate of what is really an abuse of tolerance or "anti-tolerance".
