…Until Proven Intolerant

Over the weekend, a “Christian” (in the broadest sense of the word) group met in San Francisco for a rally. While I do not agree with many of the things that went on (such as “Christian” rock bands playing), the reaction by at least one city assemblyman showed us something about tolerance–or lack of it.

The San Francisco assembly was so upset over the loud music played in the rally and the message being put forth, they actually passed a resolution warning that the “Christian” group could “negatively impact the politics of America’s most tolerant and progressive city.”

Following that, one assemblyman, Mark Leno, said that the group was “fascist” and “hateful,” and told some they needed to leave the Golden Gate City.

So, let me get this straight: San Francisco is tolerant–that is, until someone disagrees with it. Does this not sound familiar?

This is the same strategy that change agents use all the time. Those who are trying to move a congregation (or the entire brotherhood) well to the left are often perceived as being very tolerant and open. They will accept anyone. They smile all the time.

Until…

Until someone disagrees with them. Try showing a change agent a verse in the Bible that teaches that instrumental music is wrong (Ephesians 5:19, for example). If you continue to hold to that belief, you will be berated and called names.

Isn’t tolerance a beautiful thing?