The New Tolerance: How a cultural movement threatens to destroy you, your faith, and your children

by Josh McDowell, Bob Hostetler

This book will help readers discern truth from error and to withstand the pressure—even persecution—to conform to a relativistic culture.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Theology, Politics, Christianity, Philosophy

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

Josh McDowell is a bestselling Christian apologist, evangelist, and author of over 150 books, including Evidence That Demands a Verdict and More Than a Carpenter. Once an agnostic, he converted to Christianity while investigating its historical claims. He went on to earn degrees from Wheaton College and Talbot Theological Seminary. For decades, McDowell has been a prominent speaker with Campus Crusade for Christ, addressing issues of faith, character, and youth culture worldwide. His work emphasizes historical and legal evidence for Christianity and tackles challenges posed by skepticism and non-Christian beliefs. He lives in California with his wife, Dottie, and is the father of four children, including fellow apologist Sean McDowell.

Reviews

[Gene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a bit late to read this book. I think it was meant to address what was viewed as a current crisis in culture, but here I am reading it 23 years after the publishing date. What annoyed me was the tone of alarmism in the first chapters. Words like "threat", "danger", and the like were presented to the reader over and over. This New Tolerance will destroy your community, ruin your children, and poison your own soul if you are not careful. Well, twenty-three years down the road and my community, family, and soul do not seem to have been decimated. I admit to the fact that post-modernism has brought harm, but it has been gradual and expected, not rapid and surprising.

The main point of the book is that tolerance has been redefined. Tolerance used to refer to a sort of "live and let live" attitude in a pluralistic society. I may think you are wrong in your beliefs, but I uphold your right to hold them, and you are happy with that. The new tolerance goes a step further. I can't think you are wrong, or if I do I had better hide that evaluation, because to condemn someones beliefs or actions is to condemn him as a person, which is intolerant. I must celebrate the choices of others, even if I am not going to make those choices myself. This new view of tolerance has been indoctrinated in the younger generations through public education, and has left the Boomers having to choose between abandoning their own beliefs in an effort to avoid condemnation or holding on to their moral standards while being ostracized and criticized. It's a real thing.

So it's more than a different belief system grabbing up more of the public square; it's a meta thing where the belief about beliefs has changed. In that sense, we can't just say, "Well, Christians have long been a minority in most of the world, so we might as well get used to being so in the West again." We need a method of managing the change in belief about beliefs.

Here I feared the authors would hunker down into a stubborn conservatism trying to maintain a remnant of traditional moral beliefs amidst a culture changing around us. Or I feared a sort of culture war attempt to convince others to abandon post-modernism and the New Tolerance. Instead, the authors emphasized love, the kind of love Christ showed on earth. Love your neighbour whether he accepts or rejects you. Show him the love and acceptance that he craves without condoning his sins. This twist was a relief to see, and I do think it's the best way to handle these differences in a pluralistic society.

The only thing missing to me seemed to be what I would call the G.K. Chesterton way. While maintaining your standards, and while loving your neighbour, also live a life of joyfulness. G.K. Chesterton not only had friends he loved and disagreed with and debated them publicly, he also had a ball doing so. There is a sort of lack of the laughter that comes from confidence. One can sense in reading about how G.K. Chesterton lived that he had this humor and joyfulness - almost playfulness - in the midst of a culture that largely dismissed his beliefs. Perhaps not every Christian can attain this, but I think it's something to strive for. Better to be clapping our hands in glee than wringing them in fear.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of those books I'll have to read more than once. Over the course of a couple of days, I was able to get most of the ideas into my head; however, I'm sure repeated readings will help me get the things I missed the first time through. Although this book is written with Christians as the target audience, I think there are a lot of things that everyone, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof, can learn about the way the so-called tolerance is being applied to all areas of our lives. For Christians, I think a lot of the tips offered by the authors can help us find better ways of dealing with anyone who demean us in any way for simply being Christians and standing on our faith and beliefs.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for the 21st century! Don't like the title much, sounds so hardline. The post-modern definition of "tolerance" is explained and the authors tell how Christians can engage and show love to those we meet. It's all about showing people their worth in God.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to what tolerance and political correctness is becoming, which is basically having no convictions.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book to read especially now! It makes you reevaluate the paradigm shift of our country.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this for our World Views class.

[Carol Ghattas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is amazing to read a book written in 1998, and see, not only that there is nothing new under the sun, but how much worse our society has become.

In looking at the change in the definition of the word tolerance and how it has played out in society, the authors provide amazing insight into postmodern thought. One sentence that caught my attention and made things clear for me was this: "Any system or statement that claims to be objectively true or unfavorably judges the values, beliefs, lifestyle, and truth claims of another culture is a power play, an effort by one culture to dominate other cultures." We see the concept of power plays worked out in the various strategies of modern thought more than ever.

What is McDowell's solution for Christians who face the new tolerance? "To aggressively live in love and humbly stand for truth." We are not called as Christians to repair our society or establish a moral society, "but to glorify God and pray that our faithfulness to him will be reflected in our culture."

All who seek to live for Christ in this day should read this book. Recommended.

[Sunny Petkova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Представяне на световното "модерно" мислене по много добър и предупредителен начин. Наистина трябва да се замисляме над нещата, които се опитват да ни "пробутат" за нещо, в което да вярваме. Казано е: "Обичай грешника, но мрази греха". Това означава, че човека и греха са две отделни неща, докато сега се опитват да ни убедят, че това, което правиш, е това, което си. Да, ама не. Трябва наистина да сме вниматени и да изследваме нещата до корен, а не само повърхностно.
Истинската християнска любов е онази, в която предаваме не само евангелието, но също живота си на хората около нас. Това е любов, която приема човека, независимо от неговите възгледи и поведение; любов, която се стреми да посрещне нужди и да защити, да осигури здравето, щастието и духовното израстване на всеки човек; любов, която ще говори истината, но няма да осъжда или пренебрегва нуждите на личността.

[Shari Kohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often pick a book by its title and purposed message rather than the date published. When I saw this one, I was surprised it was published in 1998! Its title suggested, as does the text within, that this is the crisis we face today. I decided to read through each chapter, carefully and quizzically, to bring forth the true message that all the scriptures quoted had to me as well. This is one book that everyone should read and draw from its important content: the truth, the love for each other, and the commitment we all need to be responsible for in a world in crisis.

[Bilbo · Rating 3 out of 5]

"One of the most basic tactics of tolerance is the insistence that it is possible to believe impossibilities, a tactic eerily reminiscent of Orwell's 1984, in which the protagnonist, George Winston, was tortured until he swore that two plus two equals five . . . and believed it!" (71)

"One of the Orwellian tactics of the new tolerance is the negative labeling of any disagreement or objection as "phobic." (73)

[Steve Sellars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reminder of how we need to love others, even those who think differently. This gives us the opportunity to speak truth into their lives.

We need to speak the truth but I like his idea on a more excellent way to engage others. Also like the practical ideas of ways to handle differences in education, family, sexuality, entertainment, etc

Also have me a better understanding of how people are tolerant of every view point except those who say there are absolute truths.

[Hannah C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The only way to truly eliminate an enemy is by making him a friend." -Josh McDowell

[Jeanette Pierce]

A book that will make you think.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that the deffinition of the word "tolerance" has been RE-DEFINED. This book clarifies the old and new deffinitions of this same word, and what it what they stand for. It also clarifies the real significance of being a Christian as apposed to what is normally seen as bad examples of the same. The difference between speaking about "love" and acting with Christ's love. That there is a difference between who we "are" and what we "do". And only God's love can differenciate the "sin" which God hates and does NOT Tolerate, and the "sinner", whom God loves and gave himself for, in order to save us from sin which in turn promotes and accelerates death and destruction. God's love promotes healing and health of the mind, body and spirit. Isaiah 53:5-6:Proverbs 11:19
LOVE does NOT include approval of sin, nor does it include the participation of the same. This could better be defined as INDIFFERENCE.
Act out love aggressively, but with a humble spirit and attitude so that our "LOVE RELATIONSHIP" with God can be restored and we can have peace that surpasses all understanding, and for salvation.("for WE have all sinned and come short of the Glory of God")Romans 3:23: 2Corinthians 5:17:Romans 6:23 (many others)

[Stan Stelios · Rating 4 out of 5]

The New Tolerance: How cultural movement threatens to destroy you, your faith and your children by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler.

This book is primarially about the Postmodernism and the new tolerance that it has brought forth. This new tolerance has ramifications for our Christian witness on various social issues confronting us today. We hear the words this is true for you but not for me, or anything comming from a Christian frame of thought as being bigoted or hate speech. I has made me wondered just how Jesus would have respond. He is compassionate and loving but under no circumstance would he accepting someones sin or a false truth as being ok. People today would see him as intolerant. And ther in lies the problem as Christ followers without bending, risking persecution.

Another danger is with our children as they grow up in this Postmodern society they are readily able to pick up the ques from this new tolerance that affects there own withness not to mention thier faith in Christ.

I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommned it.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just started reading this book. Very interesting so far, as a Christian am I tolerant or intolerant and how do define tolerance? You will have to read to find out! Or wait til later for a full review


"False assumption of new tolerance: what I do represents who I amyotrophic accept and respect someone you must approve and endorse that persons beliefs, values and lifestyle. And if and when you don't you are considered insensitive intolerant and bigoted". Pg 100-101

"Readiness to respect other people's ideas as if they were your own" R.M Haire British philosopher

Read quote on Haire definition pg 101

New tolerance: All truths claims are equal p 123

[Michael Kearney · Rating 3 out of 5]

McDowell accurately and helpfully describes the "new tolerance" that is infiltrating America and its effects on many aspects of Western society. His plea for Christians to live out their faith rather than merely proclaiming the gospel is valid, but the methods he suggests in order to accomplish that goal--basically, making the gospel more relevant and appealing to postmodern culture--leave much to be desired. After all, the Apostle Paul says that "the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing" (1 Cor. 1:18 ESV).

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

McDowell explores the idea of "tolerance" and explains the difference between traditional tolerance and "the new tolerance." He discusses the implications of tolerance on society.

This is a very insightful book, and I highly recommend it. I took off one star only because 1) sometimes he makes a conclusion statement instead of leading the reader to his/her own conclusion by presenting evidence 2) at times he sounds like a conspiracy theorist. Still, EXCELLENT book.

[Karrisloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so, so good. It really makes you think about how our world is now. The highest virtue in our society is tolerance-forget all else. And, how the definition of tolerance is being changed to acceptance. For example, I am an intolerant hate-munger if I don't "accept" gays. This book made me think alot and opened my eyes a bit to how I have been blinded by the world.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't actually finish reading this book. I got bogged down by all the redundancy. What is amazing to me is the foresight these authors had to write this book a decade ago. A lot has happened in the past 10 years to change the definition of tolerance. We discussed this book at book club but didn't discuss too much from the book mostly just the current state of moral affairs in our country.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't give it four stars because it tends to be a little repetitive - but the information that is being repeated is priceless! The words come from 10 years ago and speak volumes of the world we live in today. It's very good information. Just don't stress yourself out on getting through to the last page.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Grandma lent me this one and has it all marked up with happy and frowny faces. I love the logic behind their thoughts and agree whole-heartedly with the basic idea that society is changing what "tolerance" is to fit their agenda. This would be a great book-club read.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thing I liked about this book was that it didn't just present the problem, it talked about a solution to dealing with the problem. It is scary that this book was written 10 years ago. This is exactly what is going on today and the effects are far reaching.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opening book. Tolerance is a two way street. While one side of the culture war claims the other as intolerant their intolerance is brought forward for examination.

It is an interesting book no matter which side of the culture war that you are on.

[Caleb Kneip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enlightening, and I agree with McDowell 110%

[Semi-Academic Eric]

This seemed to bring up some problems that also seem to be discussed in The Closing of the American Mind, which I would like to read first.

[Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot l read this book until l saw on here! I need to reread as a refresher before l review it.