Article June 20, 1925 Issue

Tolerance

KATE HOLLAND PATTON

In Webster's dictionary we find this definition of the word "tolerance": "A disposition to tolerate opinions, beliefs, practices, or conduct differing from one's own; freedom from bigotry." Throughout the entire history of Jesus' experience on earth, however widely the opinions of others may have differed from his, however violently others may have disagreed with him, the Master's attitude was always one of tolerance. True, he often corrected erroneous speech or action with a definite rebuke, stating the exact truth in cases of hypocrisy and sin; but in his words we find no trace of dislike or impatience toward sinner or hypocrite.

Christian Scientists need to ponder the example of our Master in his attitude toward his fellow-men. What is this intolerance that claims to be so prevalent to-day? Why is it that one becomes almost afraid to express an opinion, even on the most trivial subject, lest it rouse violent disagreement? Each person has a right to his opinion, however radically he may differ from his fellow-man; and each thinking person should be loving enough and fair enough to believe that his fellow-man has a reason for the opinion expressed, even though this reason may not coincide with his own.

"Love is reflected in love," we have learned from our Leader's beautiful and helpful interpretation of part of the Lord's Prayer, to be found on pages 16 and 17 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Are we thinking lovingly when we regard a fellow church member critically, take offense at some suggestion offered,—in short, meet this member with anything but tolerance?

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