The virtue of truth has been like a rudder on a ship in America for centuries. Truth determined the direction of one’s life in society. Oh, no one is perfect, and plenty have abandoned the virtue of truth in pursuit of personal gains; however, truth still calls people to repent and do what is right in the sight of God. Truth is part of a cluster of character traits like: integrity, commitment, courage, fidelity, etc.
It is sad to say that tolerance has replaced truth as the new virtue and rudder of our culture. Maybe the Christian movement brought it on itself with so many believers quick to judge and condemn when they should have been loving, encouraging, and helping people who struggled with sin. Tolerance, when accompanied with the truth of Jesus, is a beautiful way to treat others; however, tolerance with no truth, is actually a culture without a rudder.
Consider the satiric, sarcastic excerpt below from Ryan Dobson’s book entitled: Be Intolerant. Then read Matthew 28:18-20 and John 14:6. I guess you can surmise from his title what his book is about as he seeks to be countercultural as a follower of Jesus Christ.
And Jesus said unto His disciples, “Go into all the world, teaching all men to live any way they want, and urging each to find his or her own path to God. Let not any one of you make someone feel inferior or victimized because of their beliefs. Above all, be tolerant. Verily, verily, I say unto you that what you believe and how you live do not matter, so long as you are sincere.”
Leaving that place, Jesus led His disciples to Jerusalem where they broke bread at Club Upper Room. There He addressed them again, saying, “I am one of the ways, one of the truths, and just one possible life. If you are basically a good person, you’re okay in my book. And if you choose to come to the Father (or Mother, if you prefer) through Me, that’s cool. Now go forth to live according to whatever feels good to you.”
And there was much rejoicing.
Mike