I keep hearing in the news (print, web, and tv) about this need for diversity. It usually is going hand-in-hand with this concept of tolerance (the PC term that is). Well, the current spin on what diversity is, and consequently tolerance, doesn’t even come close to the actual meaning of what these words mean. Let’s talk about diversity for a moment.

When you talk about the meaning of diversity you usually are referring to people. Diversity in people usually means that the common man is made up of different races, cultures, societies and religious beliefs. True and to the point. The current definition is subtly, and dangerously, different.

When someone for the left side of the issues uses the word diversity, he or she means what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. This is inclusive of sexual deviation, moral equivalency and other sundry definitions that would make a real Christian cringe! What do I mean? How could I be so lacking in tolerance, especially those people who are societally marginal, in my assessment? So here again is another Christian lacking love and, uh, tolerance!

Well let me recount an incident that happened years ago in the beautiful, diverse, and societally accepting city of Boulder, CO.

I was placing a Christian newsletter called The Searcher (my parents non-profit organization’s newsletter) in local businesses. I was being accepted at most storefronts without a qualm, until I came to a trendy, New Age, natural health food market. This market prides itself on the diversity of it’s customers and was supporting many culturally diverse events in and around the city. Notice the multi-use of the word diverse here?

Well, I went in and asked the clerk to inquire of the manager of the store, if I could place my newsletter along side the many other publications, newsletters, and flyers, that regularly sit on a shelf at the front of the store, and hang on the bulletin board out front. When the clerk came back she was noticeably hostile and informed me that “you can’t place that here, we are more open-minded than that!” Hmmm, where’s the diversity (and tolerance) in that? Well, nowhere to be seen here…. obviously.

And this is the usage that many of the left-wing, liberal, tolerant professing, and yes, multi-diverse elements of our society, mean when they use that word today. It means if you are gay or lesbian, Muslim, pedophile, democrat (not all, just most) and/or a progressive Christian, or “cultural” Christian, then all is well. But if you don’t agree with any/all of those things, then you’re not tolerated—all in the name of tolerance and diversity!

Truly, a real Christian is “in” the world, but not “of” the world!

So, let’s speak plain, Diversity in the hands of these, and other elements of society, means an anything goes mentality. No boundaries, no morality, no responsibility and…. wait a minute! That’s it! Diversity can not be inclusive of the concept of responsibility, things that are moral, and truths that are absolute! (Of cousrse that IS my point) Being responsible for one’s actions and holding others responsible for their actions, is well, just plain intolerant—and flies in the face of well, societal diversity!

A true sophistry.

I am reminded that Jesus’ disciples were of a diverse group. Some were fishermen, some where tax collectors, and of other diverse professions and lifestyles. What brought them together and gave them a core cohesiveness was their love for God and their commitment to His Son, Jesus Christ. Tolerance and Diversity were not concepts of importance. Love, truth, faithfulness, peace, kindness, mercy and other beautiful principles of God were not only of import, but the entire focus of their lives.

So when you are accused of being intolerant of another’s diversity, be it individual or group, shout hallelujah! They’re right! As a Christian you shouldn’t believe in this everything goes, everything is good mentality. Our lives, and theirs too, are based upon well-defined rules, laws, and principles. Just think what would happen if a diverse group of people like Hitler, Saddam Hussein and Stalin received the same blessings of heaven as Mother Theresa, Apostle Paul and even Jesus Christ! Intolerable!

Be blessed, be loved and be at peace,

~ Jonathan

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1 Comment

1. 

   J. Baker

   June 26, 2009 • 2:15 pm

   
   
   

   As usual you are a breath of fresh air possessing the “Spirit of Life,” or are you simply possessed “by” HIM! Thanks again Jonathan. I smile at the joy of reading your uncompromised stand for God, His Kingdom and His principles. BTW I am both…a “progressive Christian” and a “Cultural Christian,” i.e. I am determined to progress in HIM and press His Kingdom into the hearts of men. I am of Kingdom Culture and long to be consumed by such! 0:-)