The world is filled with people who have different views, choices, beliefs, and practices aside from the ones we have. Tolerance is what allows these differences to coexist in the same space harmoniously. As Christians, we are called to be more tolerant. The teachings of the Bible highlight the value of tolerance and how it should be practiced every day, in all aspects of Christian living. Together, let us explore 18 things that Christians should be more tolerant about.
Other Christian Denominations
Just as there are other religions, Christianity is also divided into other denominations. As such, there is Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Baptist Churches, and many others. Each sect’s practices and beliefs are different from the other. Despite the differences, what makes them the same is the belief in Jesus Christ as the son of God and Savior of humanity. Putting this idea at the center of your thoughts makes tolerance easier to practice.
Political Views
Just because a person shares the same faith as another, does not mean they need to have the same opinions about politics. Understanding that a person’s view about politics may be different shows not just tolerance, but also the willingness to engage in meaningful conversations.
LGBTQIA+ Community
Even Pope Francis has been very vocal about his stance on homosexuality and how he supports the LGBTQIA+ community. We are all God’s children, after all. Christians should be more compassionate and understanding towards other people without looking at their sexual orientations.
Singlehood and Childlessness
There is a growing trend of people who prefer to remain single or childless. According to Pew Research Center, approximately 44% of non-parents aged 18 to 49 actively chose not to bear children. As Christians, we should learn to accept that not all people are called to be married or have children.
Cultural Differences
The way a person views things is greatly affected by their culture. Keeping an open mind and recognizing that other cultures express their faith differently significantly promote peace and harmony.
Female Church Leaders
A study conducted by Duke University revealed that women make up only 11% of leadership positions in American congregations. This shows that in most churches, women leaders are considered a minority. Understanding that women should be given equal opportunities to lead is the first step in exercising tolerance.
Interfaith Dialogues
As the Bible teaches, Christians should be more tolerant of other religious beliefs. This entails understanding other perspectives without judgment and respectfully engaging with people of different faiths.
Blended Families
The Bible has different accounts of blended families. Even then, the view on blended families, which is often a result of divorce and remarriage, is still being frowned upon by some church members. As Christians, we are called to be more accepting and realize that these people and families are just victims of circumstances.
Science and Faith
These two concepts – science and faith – can actually coexist once we find a common ground. These two are complementary ways to see the world wherein science explains the “how,” while faith explains the “why.”
Mental Health
Mental health awareness has increased over time. However, some believers still see a stigma around mental health issues. Christians need to rally together to increase mental health awareness and remove the stigma surrounding it within spiritual communities.
Artistic Expression
Understanding individual differences is the key to accepting that people express arts differently than others. Embracing various forms of artistic expression, especially in worship, creates a more inclusive experience that enriches the spiritual life of the entire community.
Environmental Issues
It’s quite alarming that 61% of devout Christians in the USA do not believe that climate change is due to human activity. As Christians, we are called to be stewards of God’s creations. We need to embrace and support advocacies that tackle environmental issues and promote sustainable practices for the well-being of our planet,
Different Worship Styles
Willingness to appreciate multiple worship styles and respecting diverse worship practices are signs of Christian humility. After all, God did not ordain only one worship style.
Technology in Church
The advent of technology has made it easier for Christianity to reach marginalized sectors and offer support to those who may have been previously underserved. Virtual worship service is just one of those ways. The church should be more open to technology and how it can be used as leverage to serve its community better.
Social Justice Issues
Tolerance on social justice issues entails supporting various causes even if they don’t align perfectly with one’s own views. This creates an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
Youth Culture
Having the youth in the church provides fresh perspectives and ensures that religious traditions can be continued. While the generation gap may cause misunderstandings, having an open mind about the concerns and expressions of younger generations can help bridge this gap.
Dress Codes
While it is important to understand that how we dress reflects our respect for God and the church, allowing different expressions of modesty and dress within the church community fosters inclusivity and acknowledges its members’ diverse cultural and personal backgrounds.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.