Tolerance Does Not Mean Agreement

Now more than ever, the call to tolerance is heard. As well it should be. But I think it’s fair to ask: What does it mean to be tolerant? You see, our culture has been very effective at redefining the actual meaning of tolerance. Many people have come to believe that tolerance means everybody will agree with each other and everyone will see each other’s viewpoint as equally correct.

Philosophy professor Paul Chamberlain says, “In contemporary North American culture, tolerance has come to be virtually synonymous with agreement.” He goes on, “The way to be tolerant toward an idea or practice is to agree with it, or better yet to affirm it, possibly even to celebrate it.” We tend to think that is tolerance.

By this definition of tolerance, if you voice disagreement with a view, you are labeled intolerant. And, of course, no one wants to be labeled as intolerant because tolerance is such a highly valued virtue in our culture. Furthermore, to be intolerant is on a par with being a bigot or, worse yet, a Bible-believing-fundamentalist. That’s the charge that really causes some to run from the room sobbing and shaking their heads in vigorous denial.

Of course, the person who calls someone “intolerant” usually fails to notice the inherent contradiction of the action because to call someone intolerant involves a judgment which, by society’s incorrect, but popularly held, definition of tolerance renders the accuser guilty of being intolerant, as well.

But our commonly held definition of tolerance is actually incorrect. We are operating with an improper understanding of the word. Scholar Paul Copan writes, “Contrary to popular definitions, true tolerance means ‘putting up with error’—not ‘being accepting of all views.’”

Tolerance, by definition, requires disagreement. Some of us may require a moment to allow the very idea to sink in. But think about it: if you agree with someone’s position, there is no need for tolerance. Tolerance is only necessary when people disagree on a matter. You are only called to tolerate what I’m writing here if you disagree with me—as shocking as that is for me to imagine.

Often, those who oppose the truth do so by redefining or misusing terms. If terms are redefined, one can throw a smoke screen on the real issues at the heart of a matter. I believe this has happened with the concept of tolerance. We have been taught that it means “everybody is always right”. But of course, that very idea involves a logical contradiction.

We have been taught that tolerance means “I agree with your position no matter what it is.” But to attempt to hold that position will ultimately be dishonest and, at some point or another, very uncomfortable.

Tolerance really means: “I disagree with you, but I will respect you, and I will respect your right to your position.” On many delicate issues that understanding of tolerance will be plenty to keep us challenged.

Since real tolerance requires disagreement, perhaps one of the more vital questions is: Can we disagree and yet do so humbly, extending respect and grace toward each other? Let’s hope so.


Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL


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