Tolerance: A strange reversal?
Using this article
If you use this article as the basis for an evangelistic event, the intention is that there is a brief opening presentation to get some ideas moving around, followed by about fifteen minutes for discussion in small groups (4-6 people), followed by a time for feedback, and a closing presentation that lasts about ten minutes and raises some questions for further thought.
This is the sort of subject that can be the basis for a relevant discussion both with followers of Christ and with those who are not his followers. However, if you use it in this way, we strongly urge you not to include hymns, prayers, songs, Bible readings, and the other trappings of a religious 'service' in the presentation. This is the sort of event that might successfully be used in someone's home, and combined with a meal. It is very important to make it clear to any non-Christians involved in the discussion that
- no views are 'off-limits'
- there are no questions they cannot ask
- there are no opinions they cannot hold
- there are no beliefs they cannot express
And having said that, it is very important that you mean it - if people express a view that you disagree with, or even find offensive, do not put them down or rubbish them. Take on board what they are saying, and see whether there is an element of truth in it to be affirmed - and then (using the evangelistic model outlined in Facing the Challenge) seek to ask questions that may help to clarify for you what they think, and may also begin to undermine non-Christian ways of thinking.
After the opening presentation, break into groups to discuss the issue of tolerance for about fifteen minutes. The article includes some questions. These are not meant to be limiting, but just to help get the discussion started. Again it is important to emphasize that in the group discussion no views are 'off-limits', and there are no questions that cannot be raised.
After the group discussion, spend 5-10 minutes taking feedback from the groups.
It is important to end the presentation with suitable opportunities to take things further, either through one-on-one conversations, through an invitation to a course such as Christianity Explored or Alpha, or through giving participants something appropriate to read.