Is tolerance accepting? Would acceptance be a better word? If we are tolerating something does that mean we have negative feelings about it? Should we reach beyond tolerance?

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I don't think it is the same thing as accepting. I'm reminded of when I was young, and my mother didn't approve of some of my friends. But they were MY friends, not hers, so she merely tolerated them...she didn't accept them. (She was also right in her perceptions, but that is another story. Wreath1 )

I agree with Rev. Rex. Tolerance has gotten a connotation, whether true or not, of "putting up" with something rather than true acceptance of the same thing. Some times we say we are tolerant, and actually mean accepting, but others may hear "putting up" with it.

I don't personally think it is necessary to always be "accepting" as it dilutes critical thinking which can be very important. I think tolerance is acceptable because I don't believe a Christian has to be accepting of a Muslim or an atheist or vice versa, but they should learn how to tolerate opposing views without becoming violent. While I think it is admirable and indeed desirable for people to work towards an accepting mindframe, I also think it is equally important that a society provides the means at which one can progress towards it on their own. I am not a fan of "thought police" where in extreme cases people begin to interpret the meaning of "glances" as "intolerance". Intolerance is when you are restricted from doing something. It is up to the individual to develop their own self-sense to move past such things. Society's responsibility is only to ensure the opportunity, not to enforce a false sense of "acceptance".

At a basic level, I believe tolerance is showing respect to something, someone and/or some event. And acceptance is affirming that thing (person, even) as true for one's Self.

For example, some Americans are tolerant of the idea that "we" live in a world (place) where the fear of terrorism is justified. And those who are accepting of the fear of terrorism (as true for the Self) will likely be tolerant of the idea that it is perfectly okay to kill a terrorist, even while they find killing to be virutally unacceptable - as most religions do teach.

At a more advanced level, I think tolerance is honoring while acceptance is loving.

For example, some Americans are tolerant of the differences in belief system between what they think and what a terrorist (allegedly) believes. And a few Americans are actually accepting of the "terrorist" (Self), loving them for Who They Are, while finding it perhaps unacceptable in what they do....perhaps realizing they know not what they do.

J

Interesting thought again! I picture tolerance as a shrugging of shoulders while acceptance as an embrace. Are we saying the same thing? There is certainly a distinction between them, as Rev. Rex brought out.

If shrugging shoulders in the face of someone who has a difference of opinion with you is respectful, then we are saying the same thing. And I think of embrace as a definition for acceptance is as good as any that I've heard.

Distinctions Schminctions.

J