Yep, it’s time once again for another tolerance update. There is just so much tolerance going around by those who shout the most about tolerance that it is necessary to have regular updates. Daily would be ideal, but life is busy, so I will have to do it weekly or so instead.
So here are a few more recent tales of tolerance and diversity in action. The activists are simply working overtime to convince us just how tolerant, accepting, and into diversity they are. Here are three more stories, all appearing on September 10.
All have to do with the slow but steady war against family, faith and freedom. Parental rights are being stripped away, and religious liberty continues to get squeezed out all over the West. All this because the homosexual activists are demanding that their agenda be fully embraced and promoted, with all dissenters facing the heavy hand of the law.
The first story comes from the UK and goes like this: “Teachers who refuse to endorse gay marriage in the classroom could face the sack under controversial Government reforms, a legal expert has warned. Schools will be within their statutory rights to dismiss staff that wilfully fail to use stories or textbooks promoting same-sex weddings, it is claimed.
“Aidan O’Neill, a senior QC and expert on religious freedom and human rights, also warned that parents who object to gay marriage being taught to their children will have no right to withdraw their child from lessons. In a report, he said that any decision to redefine marriage would have far-reaching consequences for schools, hospitals, foster carers and public buildings.
“The most serious impact is likely to be felt in the church where vicars and priests conducting religious marriage ceremonies could be taken to court for refusing to carry out a gay wedding, he said. The conclusions – in legal advice commissioned by the Coalition for Marriage – comes amid continuing fall-out over Government plans to tear up the centuries-old law on marriage.”
The UK is also where the second story emerges: “Christina Summers, a member of Brighton and Hove City Council, has been dismissed from the Green Group over expressing her views on same-sex marriage in a free vote. The Green Group of councillors announced its decision today (10 September) which was held off until the end of the Green Party conference to avoid negative publicity.
“Several Green Councillors called for her dismissal when she voted against a motion in support of the Government’s plans to introduce same-sex marriage at a council meeting in July. At the launch of the Party’s disciplinary Inquiry Panel, shortly after the vote, Councillor Summers explained that her decision was based on her Christian convictions, stating ‘I’m accountable to God above any political party’.
“In response to the news of her expulsion, Councillor Summers said: ‘I have been waiting for weeks for my colleagues to make a clear and public decision. They have no idea how much I have been wanting to say to them and how many emails, blogs and tweets from the wider party membership I wanted to refute and respond to. But there is a time to speak and a time to be silent. In view of the Green Party’s own special interpretation of equality, my expulsion from the Green Group of councillors should not, in the end, come as a surprise’.”
Ah yes, more diversity, tolerance and understanding from the secular lefties. Either fully conform or you are out. All the talk about the need for diversity is merely a smokescreen for these groups. Scratch them a bit and you will discover totalitarianism at the core.
The final example comes from Canada: “A Hamilton-area Christian father is suing his children’s public school board after they refused to allow him to withdraw his children from controversial lessons on sexuality. Dr. Steve Tourloukis, a dentist, says the suit comes after he has been asking for accommodation from the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board since Sept. 2010. A member of the Greek Orthodox Church, he has a daughter in grade 1 and a son in grade 4.
“‘[I want them] to acknowledge my inherent parental rights to direct the spiritual and moral education of my own children,’ he said. ‘They’re my kids, not the government’s, not the Hamilton-Wentworth School Board’s. I don’t believe that teachers are ‘co-parents’ with equal say in my children’s religious beliefs’
“Tourloukis filed an application Friday afternoon with the Ontario Superior Court seeking a court order declaring that as the parent of his children, he is the final authority over his children’s education. The order would require the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board to provide him with advance notification of any class, session or material to be covered which conflicts with his sincerely held religious beliefs. ‘My request is reasonable. Just give me advance notice of lessons, activities or materials which touch upon certain subjects, and if I deem it necessary, permit me to withdraw my kids from that particular class or exercise,’ he explained.
“Dalton McGuinty’s Ministry of Education has upheld the right of parents to withdraw their children from classes where instruction violates the family’s beliefs. But they have failed to enforce the policy. The Toronto District School Board has a formal policy forbidding withdrawals from its radical pro-homosexual curriculum and even of notifying parents in advance. Board chair Chris Bolton has insisted exemptions will ‘not be condoned’.”
Nope, freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech will not be condoned. It is verboten. In the People’s Republic of Canada the citizens will sit down and shut up – they will submit to whatever the state tells them, or they will face the strictest of consequences.
My, how tolerant of them. What a swell example of diversity in action. Canadian Mark Steyn had it quite right when he warned of the dangers of statism, and militant lobby groups holding a nation to ransom:
“The bigger the Big Government, the smaller everything else: In Sweden, expressing a moral objection to homosexuality is illegal, even on religious grounds, even in church, and a pastor minded to cite the more robust verses of Leviticus would risk four years in jail. In Canada, the courts rule that Catholic schools must allow gay students to take their same-sex dates to the prom. The secular state’s Bureau of Compliance is merciless to apostates to a degree even your fire-breathing imams might marvel at.”
Yes quite so. And it is getting worse by the day. Unless those concerned about faith, freedom and family snap out of their lethargy and start speaking out real quick, we will simply lose it all. And don’t tell me you haven’t been warned.
I am a registered marriage celebrant – I will never marry a gay couple = shoot me – jail me – but I answer to a higher judge than any law court.
Ilona Sturla
You would think that there would be more parents willing to stand up and join that father in a class action against the school? Or maybe there are virtually no Christians left in the public system at all and they have all abandoned it for private or homeschooling. At least they still have that option.
Sharon Gallagher
Thanks Sharon
Yes, for whatever reason, there seem to be not too many willing to stand up and be counted here, sadly.
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
How can expelling someone from a group be showing tolerance? Oh forgive me, I forgot, these people don’t have to BE tolerant, they just have to have to demonize others they see as not being so.
And what exactly is a free vote? You can vote how you want but be prepared to be expelled if it is not the way we want?
Those who do try to stand up get shot down in flames and ridiculed…eg Jim Wallace, Peter Jensen. But at least they do stand.
April Simon
Yes quite so April
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
I liked it when he said ‘They’re my kids, not the government’s’.
The chutzpah!
Damien Spillane
Yes he is a champ Damien
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
All the above reminds me of the progression of ancient Rome from a hated monarchy to a republic and thence to an imperial dictatorship, the era of the Caesars, men like Nero, Caligula and Domitian. The Roman Senate and elected magistrates still existed, but real power was with the emperors and their armies.
In 1st-century AD, Christians loved their neighbours, but their Master told Christians to expect not to be treated any better than He was. At least the early Christians were under no illusions as to the cost of discipleship.
John Wigg
Quite right John
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
I watched the replay of the recent Q&A on which Peter Jensen appeared. During the program, the antagonist (I consider that one of the more polite descriptives I could have used based on her comments) Catherine Deveny made a statement to the affect of being ‘intolerant of intolerance’.
I pondered this statement following the program. What exactly does it mean? I think it is a very dishonest statement and one which hides a somewhat more insidious moral agenda (bear with me Bill, I know this comes as no surprise!).
When she says she is intolerant of those who are intolerant, it becomes meaningless when you realise that she is in fact intolerant herself. No doubt she does not tolerate peadophiles, criminals, etc. and would speak out if society did. Taken at face value, her intolerance towards intolerance means she would have to intolerant of herself.
No, what her statement really means is that she is intolerant of any moral position that does not align with her own – a quite different position than what her original statement suggested.
I think such dishonesty is one crystal clear example of what is a much broader trend in our society. The tolerance mantra has underlying it a humanistic morality which is seeking to establish it’s regime and prosecute all who differ.
I just wish more Christians would wake up to this and stop seeking to ‘play the game’ on the supposed objective and equal moral playing field that is being falsely claimed by people like Deveny.
I believe that Christians must take a self-conscious Biblical stance on all issues and fearlessly stand by the Truth of God’s Word.
I appreciated Jensen’s efforts, but I fear that quibbling about issues such as for example the health risks associated with homosexual lifestyles takes the focus away.
To be sure, we can use such arguments to adorn our position in the right context, but as a Christian voice our responsibility is to fearlessly proclaim the Truth of God’s Word and Gospel. Such statements will be rejected and ridiculed and perhaps lead to vilification for us (becoming increasingly more likely). But that is not the point, our responsibility is to preach the gospel to all nations.
A clever argument about the consequences of sinful lifestyles will not transform individuals or a culture, only the gospel is the power of God for salvation. When we get caught in these arguments to the detriment of the gospel, we must be wary.
This is not to say that I am criticising Jensen, he took the opportunity to share the gospel to a point, but I believe we all need to be careful when we rely too heavily on the ‘reasonable discussion’ mantra in the public square. I fear it can be a cover line to try and make us appear more acceptable to those outside the faith.
We must be reasonable, gentle, loving etc. of course (the only cause of offence ought to be the gospel itself!) – but no reasonable discussion will transform, only the gospel will.
God bless,
Isaac Overton
ACT
It was interesting on Monday to see the ABC seat next to Peter Jensen a woman who may be quite sane and reasonable in normal life (may be) but who acted in about as rude and stupid a manner as one could imagine. The ABC has had her on before and getting her for Monday’s programme was a slight to the Archbishop and shows what they think about serious discussion if there is any chance decent values might be on the agenda.
One positive thing to come out of that was that many people, including people disagreeing with the Christian views expressed, were horrified at the attempt to stop serious debate. Perhaps we can see the beginning of a backlash as the devil’s workers so greatly overstep themselves. I hope so. And as Bill says, let’s hope Christians rouse themselves.
David Morrison
It’s no better here in Australia. One would think that there were no greater problems in the world than the fact that gay marriage is not allowed in some countries. We have the state of Tasmania going against the national decision and have voted to allow gay marriage. They are able to have civil recognition and are covered under the law for property rights etc. but that isn’t enough. Since when did a minority’s wishes override the majority? No one cares about their sexual orientation. Marriage is defined as between a man and a woman, with the aim of producing children. If two men can produce a child, then they can get married. I’d like to see that!
Margaret Fraser
I saw the Q&A episode in question. Regardless of what one may think of Peter Jensen, his aguements or his (possible) over-tolerance, he was class personified that evening. Have not seen a more eloquent demonstration of the difference between the atheist left and the God-fearing conservative. No doubt in my mind who won.
David Williams
Thanks David
Yes he did well, and yes, if anything he may have been too nice and too tolerant at times. He could have been a bit more forthright and forceful on occasion, but he did a great job all up. We need more troops like him.
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
People would be wrong to think that there are no resisting groups forming in Hamilton, Ontario.
Phil Lees of P.E.A.C.E Hamilton has fought long and hard in mobilising parents in and around Toronto, which is probably why, the dentist, Dr. Steve Tourloukis, mentioned above, was able to mount a suit against the authorities.
Here is Phil’s web site and a clip showing him amongst others speaking against the government. How long will it be however before the gaystapo bring down their clunking fist on even this kind of demonstration, is anyone’s guess.
I would urge people to contact him and learn from him – even to give him encouragement – before what is happening there reaches a school near you. We need to work together internationally, if we are to defeat this naked evil that is engulfing the entire world. http://www.peacehamilton.com/index.php http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2012/04/16/ontario-bill-13-rally-outrage/
Contact details for Phil Lees: info@peacehamilton.org
Phone: [Canada} (905) 869-6334
Address: P.E.A.C.E. Hamilton Project. 2621 Hwy 56, P.O. Box 306, Binbrook, On L0R 1C0
David Skinner, UK
Isaac, your comment really made me think. I wonder how we can, when we are pushed into a corner by those who want to pin us on ssm, we can turn around and bring it back to the simple gospel, we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. I had a very similar thought when I heard someone retell the Q&A programme, I thought how can we get out of the noose of the ssm issue and get back to showing people the way to eternal life.
It was told me that should Muslims ask for a prayer room at the school my children attend, which is a private school, the request will have to be adhered to.
We hear so much about learning from the mistakes of history. Do you think it is too late for us Australians to learn. It appears that we’re a little behind our “enlightened” counterparts on the American continent in these “morally pressing issues”. I see this as God’s mercy to us, we can look to contemporary history and learn. But as Isaac said, only God can change a heart. Courage can not be legislated nor produced by education, it must be sought and will be given by God.
Many blessings
Ursula Bennett
With this amount of tolerance happening around the world I’m feeling a little left out. I think the relentless pursuit of tolerance is at full capacity. Maybe they’ve tapped into a never ending supply and how is it the laws of logic don’t apply to them? Too much tolerance and the door won’t lock but not enough the door won’t shut or too much oxygen and you get dizzy but not enough and you die. Do any of these people pushing this, even care about me? Can’t they just tolerate the balance of it? I’m confused. And I know if I keep cutting corners ill end up going around in circles, but it’s my circle. But tolerance is not a circle; it’s an arrow, always pointing away from the pointer. So from now on, I’ll be referring to them as, The Pointers.
Daniel Kempton
Actually, we Christians in general and me in particular are enormously tolerant of those who would demonise us. We sit there and listen to their stupidity, their lies, their misuse of information, their demands, their sanctimonious clap trap, their aggression, their rudeness, their name calling, their abuse, their foul language and you know what? We haven’t shot anyone. We haven’t punched anyone. We haven’t run down anyone with our car. We haven’t sprayed graffiti over anyone’s houses. We haven’t invaded their meetings. We haven’t taken anyone to court.
How could they be so ungrateful for not recognising this fact. What are they going to do when the Muslims take over and tell all the homosexuals to leave or be shot. They will know what intolerance is all about then.
No doubt the chickens will come home to roost. Then they will be thanking us that we were so “tolerant” of their bombastic arrogance.
Roger Marks
Peter Jensen’s restraint & dignity inspire me. He showed himself too wise to be drawn to say anything he didn’t believe or back up.That’s quite an achievement, considering that he was under constant fire. I loved the way he saved his best move for last. It reminded me strongly of Ryley Batt and Greg Smith in the wheelchair rugby the previous night as they scored the last point, in the final second of play. That got the crowd’s attention! ….and by the way, you’re a champion also, Bill.
Terry Darmody
I am a registered marriage celebrant – I will never marry a gay couple = shoot me – jail me – but I answer to a higher judge than any law court.
Ilona Sturla
You would think that there would be more parents willing to stand up and join that father in a class action against the school? Or maybe there are virtually no Christians left in the public system at all and they have all abandoned it for private or homeschooling. At least they still have that option.
Sharon Gallagher
Thanks Sharon
Yes, for whatever reason, there seem to be not too many willing to stand up and be counted here, sadly.
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
How can expelling someone from a group be showing tolerance? Oh forgive me, I forgot, these people don’t have to BE tolerant, they just have to have to demonize others they see as not being so.
And what exactly is a free vote? You can vote how you want but be prepared to be expelled if it is not the way we want?
Those who do try to stand up get shot down in flames and ridiculed…eg Jim Wallace, Peter Jensen. But at least they do stand.
April Simon
Yes quite so April
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
I liked it when he said ‘They’re my kids, not the government’s’.
The chutzpah!
Damien Spillane
Yes he is a champ Damien
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
All the above reminds me of the progression of ancient Rome from a hated monarchy to a republic and thence to an imperial dictatorship, the era of the Caesars, men like Nero, Caligula and Domitian. The Roman Senate and elected magistrates still existed, but real power was with the emperors and their armies.
In 1st-century AD, Christians loved their neighbours, but their Master told Christians to expect not to be treated any better than He was. At least the early Christians were under no illusions as to the cost of discipleship.
John Wigg
Quite right John
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
I watched the replay of the recent Q&A on which Peter Jensen appeared. During the program, the antagonist (I consider that one of the more polite descriptives I could have used based on her comments) Catherine Deveny made a statement to the affect of being ‘intolerant of intolerance’.
I pondered this statement following the program. What exactly does it mean? I think it is a very dishonest statement and one which hides a somewhat more insidious moral agenda (bear with me Bill, I know this comes as no surprise!).
When she says she is intolerant of those who are intolerant, it becomes meaningless when you realise that she is in fact intolerant herself. No doubt she does not tolerate peadophiles, criminals, etc. and would speak out if society did. Taken at face value, her intolerance towards intolerance means she would have to intolerant of herself.
No, what her statement really means is that she is intolerant of any moral position that does not align with her own – a quite different position than what her original statement suggested.
I think such dishonesty is one crystal clear example of what is a much broader trend in our society. The tolerance mantra has underlying it a humanistic morality which is seeking to establish it’s regime and prosecute all who differ.
I just wish more Christians would wake up to this and stop seeking to ‘play the game’ on the supposed objective and equal moral playing field that is being falsely claimed by people like Deveny.
I believe that Christians must take a self-conscious Biblical stance on all issues and fearlessly stand by the Truth of God’s Word.
I appreciated Jensen’s efforts, but I fear that quibbling about issues such as for example the health risks associated with homosexual lifestyles takes the focus away.
To be sure, we can use such arguments to adorn our position in the right context, but as a Christian voice our responsibility is to fearlessly proclaim the Truth of God’s Word and Gospel. Such statements will be rejected and ridiculed and perhaps lead to vilification for us (becoming increasingly more likely). But that is not the point, our responsibility is to preach the gospel to all nations.
A clever argument about the consequences of sinful lifestyles will not transform individuals or a culture, only the gospel is the power of God for salvation. When we get caught in these arguments to the detriment of the gospel, we must be wary.
This is not to say that I am criticising Jensen, he took the opportunity to share the gospel to a point, but I believe we all need to be careful when we rely too heavily on the ‘reasonable discussion’ mantra in the public square. I fear it can be a cover line to try and make us appear more acceptable to those outside the faith.
We must be reasonable, gentle, loving etc. of course (the only cause of offence ought to be the gospel itself!) – but no reasonable discussion will transform, only the gospel will.
God bless,
Isaac Overton
ACT
It was interesting on Monday to see the ABC seat next to Peter Jensen a woman who may be quite sane and reasonable in normal life (may be) but who acted in about as rude and stupid a manner as one could imagine. The ABC has had her on before and getting her for Monday’s programme was a slight to the Archbishop and shows what they think about serious discussion if there is any chance decent values might be on the agenda.
One positive thing to come out of that was that many people, including people disagreeing with the Christian views expressed, were horrified at the attempt to stop serious debate. Perhaps we can see the beginning of a backlash as the devil’s workers so greatly overstep themselves. I hope so. And as Bill says, let’s hope Christians rouse themselves.
David Morrison
It’s no better here in Australia. One would think that there were no greater problems in the world than the fact that gay marriage is not allowed in some countries. We have the state of Tasmania going against the national decision and have voted to allow gay marriage. They are able to have civil recognition and are covered under the law for property rights etc. but that isn’t enough. Since when did a minority’s wishes override the majority? No one cares about their sexual orientation. Marriage is defined as between a man and a woman, with the aim of producing children. If two men can produce a child, then they can get married. I’d like to see that!
Margaret Fraser
I saw the Q&A episode in question. Regardless of what one may think of Peter Jensen, his aguements or his (possible) over-tolerance, he was class personified that evening. Have not seen a more eloquent demonstration of the difference between the atheist left and the God-fearing conservative. No doubt in my mind who won.
David Williams
Thanks David
Yes he did well, and yes, if anything he may have been too nice and too tolerant at times. He could have been a bit more forthright and forceful on occasion, but he did a great job all up. We need more troops like him.
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
People would be wrong to think that there are no resisting groups forming in Hamilton, Ontario.
Phil Lees of P.E.A.C.E Hamilton has fought long and hard in mobilising parents in and around Toronto, which is probably why, the dentist, Dr. Steve Tourloukis, mentioned above, was able to mount a suit against the authorities.
Here is Phil’s web site and a clip showing him amongst others speaking against the government. How long will it be however before the gaystapo bring down their clunking fist on even this kind of demonstration, is anyone’s guess.
I would urge people to contact him and learn from him – even to give him encouragement – before what is happening there reaches a school near you. We need to work together internationally, if we are to defeat this naked evil that is engulfing the entire world.
http://www.peacehamilton.com/index.php
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2012/04/16/ontario-bill-13-rally-outrage/
Contact details for Phil Lees:
info@peacehamilton.org
Phone: [Canada} (905) 869-6334
Address: P.E.A.C.E. Hamilton Project. 2621 Hwy 56, P.O. Box 306, Binbrook, On L0R 1C0
David Skinner, UK
Isaac, your comment really made me think. I wonder how we can, when we are pushed into a corner by those who want to pin us on ssm, we can turn around and bring it back to the simple gospel, we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. I had a very similar thought when I heard someone retell the Q&A programme, I thought how can we get out of the noose of the ssm issue and get back to showing people the way to eternal life.
It was told me that should Muslims ask for a prayer room at the school my children attend, which is a private school, the request will have to be adhered to.
We hear so much about learning from the mistakes of history. Do you think it is too late for us Australians to learn. It appears that we’re a little behind our “enlightened” counterparts on the American continent in these “morally pressing issues”. I see this as God’s mercy to us, we can look to contemporary history and learn. But as Isaac said, only God can change a heart. Courage can not be legislated nor produced by education, it must be sought and will be given by God.
Many blessings
Ursula Bennett
With this amount of tolerance happening around the world I’m feeling a little left out. I think the relentless pursuit of tolerance is at full capacity. Maybe they’ve tapped into a never ending supply and how is it the laws of logic don’t apply to them? Too much tolerance and the door won’t lock but not enough the door won’t shut or too much oxygen and you get dizzy but not enough and you die. Do any of these people pushing this, even care about me? Can’t they just tolerate the balance of it? I’m confused. And I know if I keep cutting corners ill end up going around in circles, but it’s my circle. But tolerance is not a circle; it’s an arrow, always pointing away from the pointer. So from now on, I’ll be referring to them as, The Pointers.
Daniel Kempton
Actually, we Christians in general and me in particular are enormously tolerant of those who would demonise us. We sit there and listen to their stupidity, their lies, their misuse of information, their demands, their sanctimonious clap trap, their aggression, their rudeness, their name calling, their abuse, their foul language and you know what? We haven’t shot anyone. We haven’t punched anyone. We haven’t run down anyone with our car. We haven’t sprayed graffiti over anyone’s houses. We haven’t invaded their meetings. We haven’t taken anyone to court.
How could they be so ungrateful for not recognising this fact. What are they going to do when the Muslims take over and tell all the homosexuals to leave or be shot. They will know what intolerance is all about then.
No doubt the chickens will come home to roost. Then they will be thanking us that we were so “tolerant” of their bombastic arrogance.
Roger Marks
Peter Jensen’s restraint & dignity inspire me. He showed himself too wise to be drawn to say anything he didn’t believe or back up.That’s quite an achievement, considering that he was under constant fire. I loved the way he saved his best move for last. It reminded me strongly of Ryley Batt and Greg Smith in the wheelchair rugby the previous night as they scored the last point, in the final second of play. That got the crowd’s attention! ….and by the way, you’re a champion also, Bill.
Terry Darmody