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The problem is that tolerant has changed its meaning. It…

“The problem is that tolerant has changed its meaning. It used to mean 'I may disagree with you completely, but I will treat you with respect. Today, tolerant means - 'you must approve of everything I do.' There's a difference between tolerance and approval. Jesus accepted everyone no matter who…” quote by Rick Warren
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“The problem is that tolerant has changed its meaning. It used to mean 'I may disagree with you completely, but I will treat you with respect. Today, tolerant means - 'you must approve of everything I do.' There's a difference between tolerance and approval. Jesus accepted everyone no matter who they were. He doesn't approve of everything I do, or you do, or anybody else does either. You can be accepting without being approving.”

Rick Warren

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Tolerance has shifted from respectful disagreement to demanding approval, confusing acceptance with endorsement.

In simple terms: Tolerance now means approval, not just respect.

Key Takeaway

Distinguish respect from approval.

Themes

tolerance respect acceptance faith

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

ethical theological

When to use this quote

  • church leadership
  • interpersonal conflict
  • public discourse
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

Christian ethics social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we respect differing views without endorsing them?
  • What boundaries separate acceptance from approval?
A Different Perspective

People may misuse tolerance to suppress dissent.

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