I have noticed a recent trend where lots of people (especially young people) are afraid to express their opinion in society on a lot of issues for fear of being labeled "intolerant". I am curious to know how many of the posters on this board believe that there is an absolute right and wrong OR whether right and wrong is just up to the individual person and what they feel or believe?

Not sure if the question applies to me (i.e., am I considered young at 29.5?) - but I think, as with most in life, views and opinions are relative to the person who has them.

I was always labeled "intolerant" but I'm not sure why. A portion of my own family saw me as "intolerant" whereas the others had no idea where they were coming from (all in the views I guess).

I have never been one to shy away from a good debate or in sharing my opinion. I try real hard to live my life honestly, justly, and peacefully while at the same time being an open person who when asked her opinion, will tell share it and who isn't afraid to say "I don't like this."

I just try to keep in mind that the large majority of opinions about me don't count (I repeat the saying, "they don't pay my mortgage" when I feel I start to wonder what so-in-so thinks). Plus, we're humans, we make mistakes - often when judging others. You never know what the other person has been through or going through so it isn't fair to assume anything about anyone and I try real hard not to do this, although I've been guilty as we all have.

Well stated and I too believe that ones values are relative. Nice response and opinions are like another body part that we all have that we like to sometimes impose on others. We all have eyes but we don't all see the same thing. The Consultant

I believe that there are absolutes when it comes to this issue. I know the more liberal view is that there is no such thing as right and wrong and that everything is just a huge sea of gray. I don't believe that. I'm not at all afraid to express my feelings for fear of being labeled intolerant. If there are people out there who would label me intolerant because of my personal views then it would blow my mind if they didn't also see themselves as intolerant for not being tolerant of my beliefs. I view liberalism as often being hipocritical in that context.

There is such a thing as right and wrong and those who believe that shouldn't be afraid to say it. At the same time I have done many things in my life that I would consider "wrong." Humility and humbleness are important as well as the ability to see our own wrongdoings(and not just others) anytime topics of this sort come up IMHO.

I think you have some very good points!

I thought the same about your post after reading it Tiffany

I believe that there is an absolute wrong and a right. The world is full of intolerent people but what needs to be looked at is what they are being intolerent of. If someone wants to label me as intolerent because I think something is wrong especially in the moral aspects then thats fine with me but I wont change my view of something or water down my explanation of my view for fear of being labeled intolerent. I do believe people have a fear of expressing an opinion of wrongs because of the secular progressive way that society is going.
Just the other day a transit bus driver in a major city removed two 14 year old girls from the city bus for kissing each other on the mouth in a passionate embrace. Of course an uproar ensued from the parents and liberal groups, lawsuits were threatened and the bus driver is facing displinary action from his company and possible dismissal. He did what he thought was right and he is now being viewed as intolerent because current society paints a gray picture of right and wrong. 25 years ago his actions would have been applauded and but in todays world he will probably have to go on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and apoligize to all the young teenage girls that like to kiss each other on the mouth while riding public transportation.

I decline to express my opinion on this issue for fear of being labeled intolerant of both tolerance and intolerance.


On a more serious note, I think the answer to your question depends on the issue at hand and whether you mean morally, ethically, or legally right or wrong.

Do I believe that homosexuality is influenced by genetics? Yes.
Do I believe that engaging in homosexual activity is morally wrong? Yes.
Would I engage in homosexual activity? No
Do I believe that it's possible to be homosexual without engaging in homosexual activity? Yes.
Do I believe that we should persecute people because of their sexual preference? No

Do I believe that murder is morally objectionable? Yes
Do I oppose capital punishment? Yes
Do I find war to be morally objectionable? Yes
If I were President of the United States, would I be ethically obligated to defend our country through warfare? Yes


Here's an interesting read concerning the difference between morals and ethics: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-ethics-and-morals.htm

Now...I dare you to cross examine yourself LOL!

I plead the Fifth!

I have to agree with Matt on this. I think that the situation or issue dictates whether there is an absoulute right or wrong. I think all people are somewhat "intolerant." No two people agree on everything so therefore everyone is intolerant to someone elses ideas. Personally, I will express my opinion regardless of whether someone wants to label me as being intolerant.

I believe 100% that there is absolute right or absolute wrong. There is no in between, no half way, no gray area. Not in any form or fashion, not morally, ethically, or legally. You either murdered someone or you didn’t, you either lied or you did not, you either stole or you didn’t, you either committed adultery or fornication or you didn’t. No one half way does anything, right or wrong.

This gray area of belief that people allude to is not existent, it’s a dream world, it’s a place where one seeks to find solace in what he or she has or has not done according to a set standard of rules. It’s a place that people seek when they will not accept an infallible truth.

Tolerance or Intolerance is ridiculous. Someone is always going to get their hair in a knot when another stands up against something they believe in when it opposes another. Of course young people are afraid to stand up for something, they haven’t been taught bona fide right from wrong. Our youth are growing up in a world where everything goes, just keep your mouth shut and smile the idea of “don’t look if you don’t like it.” This is revolting standard in my book and we need to get on the road toward the left or the right, cause straight down the middle will only leave you going over the cliff!

I think probably what you are seeing is a societal change. People do try to be more tolerant, or open to other ideas outside the realm of what they see everyday. But as a side effect you get people who try too hard to ride the middle. I wonder if it is a real change of heart or the fear of being caught in a firestorm over saying the wrong thing. Of course there are things that are just wrong, but there is a grey area. The question of right and wrong is individual sometimes. For example I had an old friend of mine tell me that I was going to hell the other day because I have a tatoo. (Yes he actually said that). Because he said it is in the bible somewhere about not changing the body that the lord gave you or something to that effect. But his wife has ear and nose rings. That to them is o.k. And their opinion came from the same place where we get the basis for most of our laws, the bible.
And I love how the republicans on here turn everything into the great battle between conservative right and liberal wrong. Can you people not answer a question without it being politics. I can just hear the conversation at some of their houses.
Wife: "Honey would you like some more potatoes"?
Husband:"Dammit woman this is a just and right war".

I have 3, have had nose & belly button pierced...guess I'd be going to hell.

What about "cutters?" People who deliberately cut and scar their bodies...wonder if that's considered the same thing and they'll go to hell too. They are so......many cutters out there.

Then the question arises...what about scars from surgery?

This is a deliberate act, albeit necessary, but deliberate by the doctor nonetheless - do these folks go to hell?

Where does a christian draw the line? Not being sarcastic...I'm curious.

I think christians need to worry about their souls and not the flesh that rots away.

I personally don't know very many christians who are out there telling people they will go to hell for tattoos or piercings. If they are doing that they need to step back and re-evaluate their purpose. I've also heard of those that go out and tell people they will go to hell for drinking alcohol but those very same people saying this are smokers or chew tobacco! Makes no sense to me. My belief concerning tattoos is that it probably isn't the most christian thing in the world to do but it has absolutely nothing to do with one's salvation or lack thereof. It's like the issue of circumcision. Does it say in the bible that it's a good idea? Yes. Will you automatically go to hell if you are uncircumsized? Ofcourse not! I was using the MattP method of questioning myself there but it works well and I like it

Christians who are out in the community trying to tell people about salvation should be focused on Christ and Christ alone in my opinion. Ofcourse there are other things to talk about concerning living a Christian life but accepting and believing in Christ as the savior is the only way to avoid Hell and gain salvation. That trumps everything including tattoos, coors light, being a tennessee vols fan, driving fast, dog and chicken fighting, cheering for jeff gordon, working at food city or wal mart and even voting for Hillary. All jokes aside though I think churches and missionaries should be less worried about some of the more trivial things and more focused on the big picture(JC)

I was thinking just yesterday how we are so caught up in doctrine and theology, much like the Pharisees of old, who were worried about the outward appearance of religion. The gospel is very simple, believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. What we need to be talking about is the transforming power of God and developing a personal relationship with Christ. We WASTE too much time arguing about doctrine. Only God has all of the doctrine right. We just need to trust Him and work on our relationship with Him. Jesus was worried about saving souls NOT worried about how someone wore their hair.

We are 100% on the same page. I couldn't agree with you more.

Well said. Far too many Christians blindly accept established doctrine without asking why that is the doctrine. It's really interesting to consider how much of the doctrine is based on cultural values with weak, if any scriptural basis. Many of the "values" found in Paul's own writings merely reflect the cultural norms of that society. We should focus on the big picture rather than the multitude of philosophical differences that divide Christian denominations in our community and throughout the world.

Excellent post, Jamie. I have to agree on most points. I am a little unsure about the Vols fan thing though. That may be unforgiveable!

Definitely unforgivable

GO HOKIES!

Jamie, I agree with all that. Very well put. And the tatoo thing seems stupid, but you and I both know this guy and he really believes that. Sometimes right and wrong are subject to the person. But usually in more trivial things like body art and the fact that quarterbacks should have to play in dresses for the preferential treatment they get.
Hey no spin. Who did I just quote? about the dresses?

GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not sure about that quote Tiger Power. But I will take a guess and say---- uh Terry Bradshaw but I am sure it had to be a Steeler though.

Jack Lambert.

Lambert was a beast. Disappointed in no spin on that one. But you guys know the reason qb's get preferential treatment though right? It's because that's who the fans come to watch

Thats no always true, i have 2 grandson's who play football and i go to watch them, but of course i yell for the Tiger's and want them to win. I also realize as much as i would like to see them win, they're not going to everytime. We should support our team because they do work hard to become good players,sure their feelings get hurt when they lose...but they're young, life goes on, they get over it...young ppl ahve a way of bouncing back. They sure don't need peer pressure and parents on their back, they need encouragement and congratulations on a well played game.

It is like one of our founding fathers (can't remember which one) stated: "I may not agree with your opinion, but I will fight to the death for your right to have your opinion" (paraphrase). I think we should all be willing to stand up for what we believe in and I think all of you that responded, by having the courage (many of you state your own identity) to express your opinions have made it easier for others in our community to take a stand. Also, I think, good natured debate on important issues is what our country is all about.

To a point I believe "right and wrong" can be different in different situations.

altogether. I have been a police officer for 16 years and I can tell you there is a difference in the court room. When I first started a typical traffic infraction would warrant a major fine and there was driving school but you did not get to go unless you had an attorney and it usually just lowered the speed. It did not do away with the charge. So I think it is not that the youth of today are afraid of being labeled intolerant they are not receiving the same moral upbringing past generations did. So they just do not care. This could be because there are more single parents and/or both partners in a marriage usually have to work taking away precious time that would have been spent molding the young minds. There is a distinct trend in society to avoid taking responsibility for one's actions. I am a firm believer that you reap what you sow. In history the people who refused to take responsibility for their actions were hardened criminals. Nowadays it is a large chunk of the population, everyone has to put the blame on someone else because they just couldn't have done anything wrong. It is almost as if they refuse to grow up. The rules and laws are for everyone not just your neighbor. I may be a cynic but I have noticed this significant change over a period of time. Although I have noticed this trend I do not believe the youth of today will carry it to their death. I believe these young people will become more conservative in their beliefs and as some say intolerant as they age and mature. When I say conservative here it is not a political term.

Since you mention it LEO I was not intending to use conservative and liberal as political terms either. I was using it in terms of ideaology and the differences that exist. I agree with your post that people are not being held accountable in the way that they should by the court of law in our society nowadays. When you commit wrongs you should be punished accordingly. Look as some of the liberals who are so upset and disturbed by Paris Hilton getting what 15 or 20 days in jail for repeatedly violating the law. That is a perfect example of what you are talking about.

But from personal experience I KNOW that gurls with tattoos and girls who smoke are on average easier (sexually) than others. In fact, that is how some of them, consciously or subconsciously, advertise their sexual availability. Believe it or not, it is true.