Posted by
The Interface on Friday, December 15, 2006 5:33:54 PM
Greg Koukl's essay over at Townhall today is the best concise explanation, summary, and rebuttal on this topic that I've seen in a long time. A must read. I wish I'd said it. The whole thing hits the nail so squarely on the head that it sinks said nail well into the wood. His final two paragraphs are priceless:
Intellectual Cowardice
Most of what passes for tolerance today is nothing more than intellectual cowardice, a fear of intelligent engagement. Those who brandish the word "intolerant" are unwilling to be challenged by other views or grapple with contrary opinions, or even to consider them. It's easier to hurl an insult—"you intolerant bigot"—than to confront an idea and either refute it or be changed by it. In the modern era, "tolerance" has become intolerance.
Whenever you're charged with intolerance, always ask for a definition. When tolerance means neutrality, that all views are equally valid and true, then no one is ever tolerant because no one is ever neutral about his own views. Point out the contradiction built into the new definition. Point out that this kind tolerance is a myth.