Whatever Happened to Tolerance?

Let me start by saying, I am a Christian man. What does this mean? Well, it means that I believe that Christ died for me and that through him I am saved. This is not the focus of this post however I just wanted to get that out of the way before I go on to show how imperfect I really am (not that I'm going to be blasphemous, I'm just going to go on to be the person that I am).

I was raised Roman Catholic. I went to a Catholic kindergarten, a Catholic grammar school and I spent three years in a Catholic high school (I may have mentioned this in a prior blog and if I have, just consider it info for the new readers). Through a series of events that I'm not quite ready to divulge, I went through various religions until I was guided to where I am today. Even though I am very happy with my choice, I'm not what you would consider a perfect fit. Not quite like trying to put a square peg into a round hole but more like just barely getting a slightly oval shaped peg into that same round hole.

Of all the religions I've experienced and research I've come to the conclusion that there are no "perfect" religions. The reason why there are no "perfect" religions is because there are no perfect people. No, not one. Even the most devout Christian is not perfect no matter what that particular person tells you. Remember the whole, "let he that is without sin cast the first stone" business? That applies to everyone.

There are a lot of opinions out there (including mine) and of course there is the old adage that says opinions are like you know whats, everybody's got one. Well, I'm going to ask the question (I already have but now in the actual body of the post), What every happened to tolerance?

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a very spiritual person. I pray every night, I go to church every Sunday and I try to be the best person that I can to anyone that I meet. Even the people I don't particularly care for get a free ride with me. That doesn't mean I'm letting them get away with murder or anything. It basically means if you don't start nuthin, there won't be nuthin. I never resort to violence unless I'm defending myself but I might be pushed into a verbal confrontation every now and again (as I said earlier, I'm not perfect).

The reason I'm getting into all of this is to point something out. There are plenty of Bible thumping Christians who are quick to point the finger of judgment not only at the atheist and agnostics (contrary to belief, there is a difference. atheist don't believe in a deity, agnostics don't have an opinion either way) but also at the people who fall into my category.

What is my category exactly? Well, it's the category I'm willing to bet where most Christians fit. It's the category where we believe that we are not perfect therefore we do not judge others because of their imperfections. From what I understand, it is up to God and God alone to judge people's lives. Am I the only one that remembers this part?

Who are we to judge others by what they do and do not believe? Will we ever be able to coexist in this world? Can't we all just follow the structure we as individuals have the right to follow through our own free will until the time comes when whichever God we believe in decides it's all over and pulls the plug? (My apologies to the atheists and agnostics reading this, I just don't know what it is you believe will happen in the end).

In my sad little opinion, if we could get past this part maybe we can put an end to this war (I realize that's a little ambitious but there is something to be said about thinking big).

P.S. Don't judge me.