P RAISE FOR T HE B EAUTY OF I NTOLERANCE
Heres a timely messageclearly presented, creatively explained, effectively argued, and lovingly offered as an antidote to the confusion so many people feel about this vital topic.
Lee Strobel, bestselling author and professor,
Houston Baptist University
There is incredible confusion over the nature of tolerance. Should we be tolerant? Intolerant? The McDowells provide valuable insight, compelling stories, and practical steps for seeing through the cultural confusion so you can lovingly stand for truth.
David Limbaugh, lawyer and author of The Emmaus Code
The Beauty of Intolerance is perhaps the most needed book in the library of lives around the world second only to the Bible. Unlike some teaching, preaching, and cults, all roads do not lead to heaven but actually to hell. We can coexist on Earth, but apart from the shed blood of Christ and repentance of sin, we will not coexist in heaven. Josh and Sean have penned a game-changer because they didnt change the Word. Yes, intolerance is beautiful but misleading the masses is beyond ugly. May millions read this book and fall in love with The Book [Bible].
Frank Shelton, author, Washington, DC field rep,
MY HOPE with Billy Graham & evangelist, Waldorf, MD
2016 by Josh McDowell Ministry and Sean McDowell
Print ISBN 978-1-63058-940-0
eBook Editions:
Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978-1-63409-742-0
Kindle and MobiPocket Edition (.prc) 978-1-63409-743-7
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D EDICATION
Dad, thanks for not only defending truth
but also for modeling what it means to
love those with whom we significantly
disagree. You taught me true tolerance in
your actions and your words.
S EAN
A CKNOWLEDGMENTS
We wish to recognize the following individuals for their valuable contribution to this book.
Troy Peiffer, for all the valuable research he provided to us on this project.
Matthew Anderson, Jason Carlson, and Amy Hall, for reviewing the manuscript and providing valuable insight. Each of you helped to significantly improve the quality and clarity of this book.
Tom Williams, for editing the manuscript and applying his valuable insights, wordsmithing skills, and passionate heart to help make these words come alive on the printed page.
Don Kencke, for reviewing the manuscript and providing insightful guidance.
Amanda Price, for editing the manuscript to bring the book to completion.
And last but not least, we are grateful to the team at Barbour Publishing for having a vision for this project and partnering with us to make it a success.
Josh McDowell
Sean McDowell
C HAPTER 1
TRUE FOR YOU BUT NOT FOR ME
Youll love him, Mom, Renee said energetically on her visit home from her second year in college. Hes so considerate, and hes smart and really good looking.
Teri smiled. Thats great, honey, she said. Whats he majoring in?
Business management, just like me.
Thats good. Does he have your same church background, too?
Mom, Renee responded with a tinge of irritation in her voice. Lets not get into church stuff again.
Im not, Teri protested. I just wanted to know if he shares our familys values, thats all.
Tony doesnt go to church, okay? Renee stated outright. Hes not an atheist or anything; hes just not into church and religious stuff.
Whos not into religious stuff? The voice was that of Renees father, Kenton, who had just walked into the room.
Renee was just telling me about her new friend, Tony, Teri replied. She said he isnt into church.
What is he, an atheist? Kenton asked.
Come on, you guys, Renee retorted, sounding even more irritated. Tonys a great guy! Whether he goes to church or not isnt an issue with me.
Well, it is with me, Kenton said firmly.
Look, Dad, Renee began, I dont want to get into this discussion right now, okay? Because Tony and I dont believe just like you guys, that doesnt make us bad.
Honey, no one is saying youre bad, Teri responded, trying to temper the rising tension in the conversation. What your dad and I want is for you to be happy and not get hurt, thats all. Butshe raised her hand like a policeman stopping traffic to silence Renees inevitable retortlets move on. So when can we meet Tony, anyway?
Actually, we were hoping we could both come here for Christmas breaknot for the entire two weeks, of course. We want to spend part of it with his parents, too. But at least long enough that you can get to know each other.