The Stubborn Destructiveness Of Intolerance
Dr. Joseph Priestley, a Christian minister, was also a brilliant scientist in 1791 Britain. Besides having invented modern chemistry, Priestley was incredibly respected throughout Europe and America. A mob was so upset that he questioned some beliefs of the state religion and a few societal practices that they burned down his home. By doing so, they also destroyed his laboratory, with priceless precision instruments, and stole his valued written work. (Johnson, The Offshore Islanders, p 239).
Most people appreciate inventions, new technology, things which will make their life better and easier. Yet, suggest that they need to change their conduct or question their assumptions and religious beliefs, and you will likely be vilified and persecuted. After all, tolerance of non-sinful differences is a result of being controlled by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:23, Phillips-2nd ed) – and most people have not developed the fruit of the Spirit to a high degree. Such tolerance is an aspect of sacrificial love (Eph 4:2, TNT) and, again, most of us do not like making sacrifices. Despite what we may say, most of us really do not want to make notable changes in how we like to live or in what we want to believe. Yet, the eventual result of the stubbornness that refuses to be corrected is ruin (Prov 29:1, TEV).
Priestley was a victim of violent intolerance. Is our world not full of such intolerance? We may not be able to change the world’s intolerance, but we can and should change our own. Where the Bible is clearly intolerant (such as in saying that no one can earn their salvation, Eph 2:8-9), then we, too, must be intolerant. However, there are far fewer beliefs for which we must be intolerant than most people, it would seem, are willing to allow. Let us ask for His wisdom and graciousness about this.
Loving trust is more important than mere head knowledge.