Piers Morgan, CNN, and Tolerance

by Wes Moore

Let's just lay it on the line: tolerance as the world defines it is a farce.

It's interesting to me how those outside of conservative Christianity put so much stock in tolerance—they even believe they are the glossy examples of what tolerance is and should be—and yet are forced to tolerate so little. In reality, it’s the other way around: your average, everyday follower of Jesus is the one who shows what real tolerance is.

About a week ago I saw an interview with Mark Driscoll on the Piers Morgan Tonight show on CNN. Mark was promoting his new book about marriage and intimacy. Of course, Piers didn’t really want to talk about Mark’s book; he simply wanted a chance to grill another Christian pastor about the terrible intolerance of anyone who could possibly reject homosexuality.

Most of the interview was focused on Kirk Cameron’s comments earlier in the week about homosexuality being sinful and unnatural, and Kirk’s biblical view that homosexual marriage should not be supported. Soon every other word that came out of Piers’ mouth was “tolerance.” He just couldn’t believe how anybody who would follow such a “good book” like the Bible (I’d like to hear what he says about the Bible when the cameras are off) could be bigoted enough to deny homosexuals their “right” to marry.

The Real Meaning of Tolerance

Tolerance in America doesn’t simply mean that the Christian should allow other people to believe what they want without fear of abuse (which I believe in); it means the Christian must cease all opposition—verbal, legal, spiritual, and otherwise—to the perverse opinions of his fellow citizens, while at the same time lavishing his applause and praise on anything and everything the godless world sets before him.

In short, we must tolerate everything the world loves without comment or resistance, while they tolerate nothing. We must tolerate homosexuality shoved down our throat every day on virtually every TV station, movie screen, newsstand, classroom, and radio station in America.

We must tolerate stripping teacher-led prayer, Bible studies, prayers in Jesus’ name, and pledges from public school classrooms, while our kids get shot at, sexually assaulted, bullied, and persecuted in those same “liberated” temples of education.

We must tolerate illegal pornography being pumped into our homes on any and every cable and satellite provider there is to choose from (there’s really no way to get it out; I’ve tried), and we must walk by it in every convenience store in the neighborhood (with our children sometimes by our side, mind you). All the while rape increases in this land, as does pedophilia, sex trafficking, sex between minors, abortions, and prostitution.

And, might I add, we must tolerate the name of Jesus Christ being used as an expletive every time we turn our heads. But if we dare mention Muhammad’s name in any negative light, we’re instantly deemed religious bigots. I wonder if Piers thinks the Muslims who kill people when the Koran is burned are intolerant? Nah, what am I thinking! Of course not. That’s just religious freedom to him!

But I guess that’s not enough, Piers. Even given all of this, I still have to watch the few of my brothers who will take a stand for the truth get grilled by you on national television for being so “intolerant.” I guess your standards for tolerance are just too high for us.

The Hypocrisy of It All

While the charge of hypocrisy is often levied against Christians (and, many times, rightfully so), it applies in reverse as well. Piers, and those like him, are so quick to stand up for the “rights” of homosexuals to define marriage as one man and one man, or one woman and one woman, and, yet, so brutal in their condemnation of those who want to redefine it as one man and several women (polygamy).

The double-standard is dramatic. Pay attention the next time some polygamist leader is arrested in some western state. See how the media—the same media that carries the banner of righteousness for the homosexual—jumps on the “immoral,” “perverted” polygamist with both feet.

If marriage can be defined as any two people wanting to carry out a lifelong commitment to each other (which isn’t the full aim of the homosexual movement, by the way[1]), why can’t it be defined as any three people? Give them time.

Also, ironically enough, Piers’ freedom to mock the teachings of the Bible and those who hold them actually comes from the teachings of the Bible itself. The liberty we experience in America is founded upon the Christian worldview, no matter how much they deny it.

The Lesson for Us All

The lesson here is not to cower in the face of the “intolerance” charge. When someone around you says Christians should be tolerant, don’t accept the assumption that we’re not. Tell them the long list of offensive acts we tolerate every day. And, when you’re done, ask them who the intolerant lot in America really is.

[1] For a revealing look at the true goals of homosexual movement, read the 1972 Gay Rights Platform, a document outlining their goals for the alteration of state and federal laws where homosexuality, and sexuality in general, is concerned. Here’s the link. Pay close attention to state goal 3, 7, and 8 (legalized prostitution, pedophilia, and polygamy).

Wes Moore is a conservative Christian author and speaker, and the founder of Evidence America, an apologetics and evangelism training ministry. You can learn more about him at www.wesmoorenow.com.

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Jon Weiss

I always find it amusing how left wing liberals go on a rant about the intolerance of others who may disagree with them, but in their own actions these liberals clearly demonstrate their own intolerance and hypocrisy. If I am a Christian and I feel that homosexuality is as the Bible calls it, "an abomination", I am labeled as "intolerant" by those like Mr. Morgan, but I have to ask, where his the tolerance being shown by Mr. Morgan and those on the left. It would appear that it is non existent, for if the left were truly tolerant they would hold to their views and allow me to hold to mine, without criticism and condemnation. But that is simply not the case. What the left has always failed to comprehend is that sometimes people can simply agree to disagree and still coexist, but as liberals routinely demonstrate, all disagreement with their agenda must be labeled as "intolerance".
- Linda F.
  
  And why is it that the liberals target only Christians?
  
  Why don't they target Muslims? (Oh, wait! It's because they're afraid of being blown up or having their heads chopped off.)
  
  Okay. So, why don't they target people who practice Jainism? Jainism, as far as I understand it, does not encourage homosexuality.
  
  And what about people who practice Zoroastrianism, a religion that apparently condemns acts of sodomy altogether?
  
  And then, there is Taoism – which discourages passionate homosexual expression because it is thought that homosexuality does not lead to human fulfillment?
  
  There are other religions that either condemn or discourage homosexuality. But I never hear about people like Piers Morgan attacking people who practice those religions because of their stance on homosexuality.
  
  Nope! It's always the Christian.
  
  A little biased, aren't we?
  - Melody
    
    All religions that I know of don't tolerate homosexuality….. But Christianity is targeted because it is the only true faith that the devil fears and hates….. and there are more than a few lying liberals to do the devils bidding. Remember what Jesus said…. the world will hate you because you believe in me. Just another fact that Jesus said to be true.
- Wilbert Jennings
  
  I agree with Jon, Anyone that has an opinion that diagrees with the Bible seems to have the right to express that view without being labled intolerante, bu we as Christians have a gag order. We now can not share the Bible because the hate law reastricts the word of GOD from being told. Next speaking against beastility and adultery will be forbidden because we aren't tolerante of these life styles. Those that have chosen to take on GOD will pay dearly.
- Shar
  
  THIS IS AMERICA, PIERCE OR PIERS OR WHATEVER YOUR NAME IS.
  WE STILL HAVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT.
  WE CAN STILL SAY WHAT WE FEEL AND BELIEVE.
  LOOK AT YOUR OWN COUNTRY – IT IS A MESS. STOP BADGERING
  US, PIERS, AND GO HOME AND HARANGUE YOUR OWN PEEPS.
Robert F. Casale

Mr. Morgan will only be around until the get someone better to compete against the other channels. He belongs back on Britton has talent. He is no Larry King,the genuine article, Piers a liberal phoney. Watch out for thoses buses.
- Canadianlady
  
  He's a shill for the left, and he knows it. He's no dummy.
Myrtlelinder

This hatred of the liberals brings to mind what JESUS CHRIST tells HIS people in the end days,

John 16:2 tells us: They shall put out of the synagogues, yes, the time will come, that whosoever kills you will think that he is dong GOD a favor.

GOD tell HIS people that if they will listen, tell them the truth about me, it they don't want to hear it leave, them alone in their sin, "Go your way, " Those who do not believe, does not try to teach us their way, they believe it is their right to force it on us. They hate us because we refuse to believe the lies that the believe, and they will kill us in the end, given the opportunity. This is where the hate originates. I do not doubt that this is something possibly, I should not say , but neither is the fact that hundreds (maybe more than that) of people are being killed every day because of this unreasonable everlasting hatred, in this country.
Christopher

This is the natural progression of a government and a culture based on human reason. Haven't read Thomas Paine, Common Sense?
PTTA

I learned this many, many years ago. Regarding the world being tolerant of Christains. Corinthians, Chapter 1, Vreses 18 , 19, 20, Chapter 3, verses 18, 19, and 20.

The widom of the world is foolish, The wisdom of the world believes Gods words and wisdom is foolish. Me, I have for years read and believe Gods wisdom. His wisdom has never failed me.
Evelyn

Many, many years ago I saw Bishop Sheen on TV. He was a Catholic, which I am not, but he was wise when he spoke of
tolerance. He said those who spout tolerance are incorrect. If something is wrong, we should not tolerate it. Should we tolerate child abuse, pedophilia, murder, theft, abuse of the elderly, adultery, spousal abuse, beastiality, alchoholism, drug addiction;
the list is endless. We as Christians see in the Bible that homosexuality is wrong. A former pastor of mine viewed it, as well
as other sins, as not in BEING, but in DOING. Temptation is present quite often, but DOING what we are tempted to do is
the wrong, and tolerating is wrong. We should be trying to correct wrong rather than tolerating it.
- Bill Shakespeare
  
  As G.K. Chesterton so aptly stated, "Tolerance is the virtue of a man without convictions."
Nelson

Mr. Moore, it is apparently true that you do not know the teaching of Mark Driscoll. Do a little research and learn about his doctrinal teachings laced with vulgarities. Then based on the teaches of the KJV Bible–do you think he is a Christian?
- Willie Makett
  
  I have not listened to, nor read but a few extracted passages from Mark Driscoll's works. I can say though, that I'll take a look at them and see for myself. It's only fair, particularly in view of how much is abridged these days, from anyone's writings. That said, I also find that certain very salient points of theology, christology and general doctrine are NOT well addressed, some not addressed at all. Oftentimes, certain practices have been continued for nothing less than tradition, and there is a need to study the scriptures with due diligence. E.g., amongst many churches there is a proscription against drinking…period. And there is a dramatic contortion of the scriptures to make this fit. Upon reading it, and studying it in the original Greek, and examining the historical records, one can see that indeed alcohol was present and it was actual wine and not grape juice. Even the 'effects' of intoxication are illuminated whint the scriptures. My point here, is that one has to study the scriptures and be honest. Hence…
  
  Was Mark Driscoll honest about examining the humanness of Jesus? Have we really captured the essence of what the humanity of Christ was, in all ways? I think that's the time-honored question which led to heresies about Christ. If he was human ONLY, then we have the Great Educator, the Teacher…and that fits the Jesus of christian scientists, or the Jesus of some Jews and as other religions see Him. If He was all God, then how could he fit the model of soteriology? In the Christian perspective, he could "that compensatory act of dying for others" without being fully human. But again, there is not time to deal with all the heresies…Arianism, Monism, Modalism, Montanism…and a host of others. But…no one can fully defend them or accept them…unless you encounter the heresies straight on. And I think it bears studying and critical thinking for all of us.
Duane

Jesus Himself said that satan "the father of lies" is in charge of this world. Times will get worse until He comes and cleans it up.
Any group that is NOT being beat down or critized by the world is NOT following Christ!! Be strong and stand up for what God has taught us to be right. He wins in the end!
giegie

When Piers Morgan stands before Almighty God and God asked him about his secular tolerance of everything in the world that God called sinful, I'd like to hear Pier's answer as he stands before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords as his body shakes and smirky smile fades away in disgrace.
John J Flanagan

It is increasingly evident that there are many people in the media holding the same views as Piers Morgan. They are among the wicked of the world whose main target is God Himself, because they continually attack His word, His people, and advance the homosexual agenda, abortion, and other sinful ideas. They are intolerant of Christian views because in their pride and arrogance, they see only a man centered, selfish, self pleasing worldview, and since God's word stands in opposition to their ideas, they must attack the Christian faith and Christians. In my own life, I have decided that it is better to simply switch the channels when Piers Morgan is on, or MSNBC, as well as CNN at times. I know what to expect. I know the reporters on these stations will consider people with Christian convictions as bigots. I know they despise the pro-life position of many Christians. I know they feel "doing your own thing" is an intrinsic right, even if it is immoral. It is the same situation as when Our Lord walked the earth and before. As the Bible states very clearly, " There is no rest for the wicked."
Martin Fee

From a STRICTLY NATURE standpoint Homosexuality is un natural. the basis for sex in nature is the continuation of the species, homosexual behavior can not do this. 2 guys can not have a kid..Period..End of file! Why should anyone be forced into accepting what is in natures opinion a DEAD END? I know queers will not like to hear this and will make all kinds of idiotic remarks about it but facts are facts and all the stupidity in the world will not change this basic fact… Homosexuality is un natural.
Funny how you do not want me to force my religion on you (Not Christian by the way) but you have no problem forcing your beliefs upon me.
Piers should not use words he does not understand like Tolerance
- http://youtu.be/SLlvGDFVsf0 Despeville
  
  Indeed, it is highly perverted and based on sickening pride akin to lust after one's mirror image…
Marc Jeric

Nobody has mentioned yet the costs of health insurance and Social Security pensions for multiple homosexual partners in those "marriages".
ONTIME

If your ever to wonder as to why CNN's viewership is small and growing less each season, it's because they are becoming more like the intolerant cult islamics with each passing day and can't get out of the rut they're commited to…… It's a MSN virus with a note of demise attached to it.
Despeville

http://youtu.be/vFDzQS3j2Ho
Kent Perry, Az

I think that guy is on to something and this is how we deal with this https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QzxEbLGBJNDZQ…
Quanuck

From "The Naked Communist" by Cleon Skousen in 1958, "45 Communist goals" made it to the Congressional Record in 1963: http://www.uhuh.com/nwo/communism/comgoals.htm
Congressional Record–Appendix, pp. A34-A35

January 10, 1963

Current Communist Goals

EXTENSION OF REMARKS OF HON. A. S. HERLONG, JR. OF FLORIDA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, January 10, 1963

Mr. HERLONG. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Patricia Nordman of De Land, Fla., is an ardent and articulate opponent of communism, and until recently published the De Land Courier, which she dedicated to the purpose of alerting the public to the dangers of communism in America.

At Mrs. Nordman's request, I include in the RECORD, under unanimous consent, the following "Current Communist Goals," which she identifies as an excerpt from "The Naked Communist," by Cleon Skousen:

[From "The Naked Communist," by Cleon Skousen]

CURRENT COMMUNIST GOALS
(GO TO ABOVE FOR THE COMPLETE LIST)
24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch."

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

So it seems the "left" is at work to remove morality and religion and destroy the family. There could never be any expectation of tolerance of our beliefs yet they expect us to tolerate their immorality. Christians NEED to fight all this with Biblical scripture and facts. It is they who are bigoted against our morality and our belief in the Word of God. We must respindd to these attacks with kindness and love. It messes with their heads.
- Quanuck
  
  …must "respond" to….
Mexseiko

In reality it's not tolerance what they mean but acceptance. Tolerance is just about as far as we can go because we have no choice or power to do anything else. We certainly tolerate whatever they come up with. I think at this point we are the ones that need to be tolerated. Our society refuses to understand that our beliefs and morality are not ours but from God that put them in the Bible. All we do is agree with these precepts. We decide to join this club and must comply with the requirements. We are required to line up with the Scriptures which as far as we can ascertain, are the direct input from God in Heaven. If we say we are Christians but don't agree with God on certain points, we just become a little bit more than Christians. We would judge God. We would be (or pretend to) be above God. (Good luck.)

No. It's not tolerance they want. They want us to drop our faith and commitment. Compromise our relationship with the Creator, and look at sin as charity.

Romans 1 spells out exactly where we are today. He is giving up our society which through devices like political correctness, "Separation of Church and State," Tolerance, etc. have driven God our of the public place, the discussion, education, society in general. But it'snot enough. They don't have acceptance.
madmemere

Wes-Great article; yes, as Christians, we are just supposed to "turn the other cheek"! Well, I will tell you and the world, at age 74, I've "run out of cheeks"- – so I don't accept any verbal abuse, or any kind of "mistreatment" from any "misguided" atheist, liberal, bigot, or whatever you choose to call them. Long ago, I learned how to "hand it right back" and advise them,exactly, where they can go, or what they can do with their own ideas!