Christian author and speaker Josh McDowell reminds followers of Christ that,

We must humbly pursue truth. It may be difficult to speak the truth in today's climate, but Jesus said,

"The truth will set you free."

Pursuing truth in this context means countering the new doctrine of tolerance. It means teaching our children to embrace all people, but not all beliefs. It means showing them how to listen to and learn from all people without necessarily agreeing with them. It means helping them courageously but humbly speak the truth, even if it makes them the object of scorn or hatred.

We must always remember, however, that when the apostle Peter told us,

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have," he added, "But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).

We must aggressively practice love. Everyone loves love, it seems, but few recognize how incompatible love is with the new tolerance. Tolerance simply avoids offending someone; we must help our children live in love, which actively seeks to promote the good of another person.

Tolerance says, "You must approve of what I do."
Love responds, "I must do something harder; I will love you, even when your behavior offends me."

Tolerance says, "You must agree with me."
Love responds, "I must do something harder; I will tell you the truth, because I am convinced 'the truth will set you free.' "

Tolerance says, "You must allow me to have my way."
Love responds, "I must do something harder; I will plead with you to follow the right way, because I believe you are worth the risk."

Tolerance seeks to be inoffensive; love takes risks. Tolerance glorifies division; love seeks unity. Tolerance costs nothing; love costs everything.

I believe the dreadful potential of the new tolerance can be averted, but only with a renewed commitment to truth, justice and love. And, as it happens, that powerful trio of virtues can do more than prevent disaster; it can bring about true community and culture in the midst of diversity and disagreement.

Author: Josh McDowell. Excerpted from Focus on the Family magazine (Colorado Springs, CO: 1999). Text Copyright © 1999, Focus on the Family.

So it's truth, for instance, that what consenting adults do in their bedroom is wrong?

Christians use the word truth when they really mean belief.

"G"

"Christians use the word truth when they really mean belief."

Don't lump all of us together please.

"Don't lump all of us together please."

That's tue.The Bible says there are many people who call themselves Christians, but will one day be surprised to find out they weren't really Chrisitians.

edtwo, are you really that certain that you won't be in the crowd that will be 'surprised'?

Ed,

Passive-aggressive much?

You might want to think about the question Bob asked you. I don't know how impressed Jesus would be with some of the remarks you have made.

Again, thank you for homeschooling.