Evolution of Tolerance

[Requiem]

Viewing the PBS documentary in perspective - were any of you encouraged by the fact that, over time, the Church has demonstrated increased tolerance - albeit selectively? Examples include interracial marriage, blacks in the priesthood, etc. I look forward to the day when the Church practices inclusiveness and tolerance in a manner similar to the Savior. He welcomed the "winebibbers, harlots" etc. Who can predict future changes - especially after the passing of the current generation of leadership? Will we have a larger tent?

[UtahDan]

Originally Posted by Requiem

I look forward to the day when the Church practices inclusiveness and tolerance in a manner similar to the Savior. He welcomed the "winebibbers, harlots" etc.

I'm all for the big tent, but you are talking about behaviors here, not exclusions based on race. It is hard to imagine the tent ever being large enough to embrace drunks and whores. Of couse these people are welcome in the fold, as are all people. But they cannot have the full benefits of membership nor can they expect that the behavior will be approved of.

Jesus tolerated their presence, where the scribes and pharisees would not, because he viewed them as "sick" and in need of a "physician." He never said that they weren't sick after all. You obviously have an agenda behind your remarks. Why don't you just share it with us so we can discuss it?

[jay santos]

Originally Posted by UtahDan

I'm all for the big tent, but you are talking about behaviors here, not exclusions based on race. It is hard to imagine the tent ever being large enough to embrace drunks and whores. Of couse these people are welcome in the fold, as are all people. But they cannot have the full benefits of membership nor can they expect that the behavior will be approved of.

Jesus tolerated their presence, where the scribes and pharisees would not, because he viewed them as "sick" and in need of a "physician." He never said that they weren't sick after all. You obviously have an agenda behind your remarks. Why don't you just share it with us so we can discuss it?

Whoah. Hold up. Did Jesus ever say anyone WASN'T sick or need of a physician? He "tolerated their presence"? That's a liberal interpretation. You could just as easily say he preferred their presence. You can make a logical case that drunks and whores will never enjoy the same benefits of membership as "non-sinners" using other sources but not using the Jesus/New Testament examples.