---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Tolerance is not a spiritual gift; it is…"
description: "\"Tolerance is not a spiritual gift; it is the distinguishing mark of postmodernism; and sadly, it has permeated the very fiber of Christianity. Why is i..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/536/john-stott-1926_action_tolerance-is-not-a-spiritual-gift-it-is_2486578.png"
---

#  Tolerance is not a spiritual gift; it is the…

![“Tolerance is not a spiritual gift; it is the distinguishing mark of postmodernism; and sadly, it has permeated the very fiber of Christianity. Why is it that those who have no biblical convictions or theology to govern and direct their actions are tolerated and the standard or truth of God's Word…” quote by John Stott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/536/john-stott-1926_action_tolerance-is-not-a-spiritual-gift-it-is_2486578.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/536/john-stott-1926_action_tolerance-is-not-a-spiritual-gift-it-is_2486578.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/536/john-stott-1926_action_tolerance-is-not-a-spiritual-gift-it-is_2486578.png)

> “Tolerance is not a spiritual gift; it is the distinguishing mark of postmodernism; and sadly, it has permeated the very fiber of Christianity. Why is it that those who have no biblical convictions or theology to govern and direct their actions are tolerated and the standard or truth of God's Word rightly divided and applied is dismissed as extreme opinion or legalism?”

[John Stott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stott/)

## About This Quote

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

Postmodernism treats tolerance as a defining trait, even when it undermines traditional Christian truth.

**In simple terms:** Tolerance is praised even when it erodes biblical standards.

Key Takeaway

Balance openness with doctrinal fidelity.

Themes

tolerance postmodernism faith truth culture

Mood

critical reflective

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

- church discussions
- academic debates
- personal belief formation

Key Concepts

theology philosophy cultural criticism

Questions to Reflect On

- What limits should tolerance have?
- How to protect core beliefs while being tolerant?

A Different Perspective

Tolerance can lead to moral relativism.

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