As our country, world, and church lurch toward schisms and divisiveness, I have become entranced with the Federalist Papers and the making of the American Constitution holding disparate states together. Delegates wrestled with issues of commerce, slavery, and population size to craft a constitution that was visionary, despite inherent flaws.
James Madison in particular argued that the freedom of religion was an inherent human right, surpassing the Toleration Act of 1689 granting worship to Protestants who are not part of the Church of England.
Tolerance is a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own.
Acceptance is assenting to the reality of a situation, recognizing an uncomfortable situation without attempting to change it, protest, or exit.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Cor 13)."
Love surpasses tolerance and acceptance - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Differences do not break the bond of fellowship that ties Christians together in Jesus Christ. "As to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think." (John Wesley)
Pastor Curtis