Tolerance is a Christian value

In response to the letter “Jesus Christ just one of many paths” written by IU employee Steve Salter, I find such a letter offensive both as a Christian and as someone who makes a strong effort to be a tolerant and accepting person. Mr. Salter is obviously bothered that any Christians and presumably people of other religions believe that their faith is the only right faith. The way he articulated this, however, was arrogant and closed-minded. I can’t speak for “Islam or whatever.” I can only speak as a Christian. Mr. Salter made many bold statements – calling Christianity a cult religion, calling the Bible a “famous fictional work” and saying Jesus Christ was “constructed piecemeal from other pagan gods.” I think what Mr. Salter, and anyone trying to express a lack of understanding and openness in any given religion, needs to remember is that offending and name-calling are going to get you nowhere. I am Christian, and I have many friends of all different faiths and many who do not believe in Jesus Christ or the Bible. None of these people, however, have ever offended me the way Mr. Salter did. I guess that’s because although they maintain they are correct in their beliefs, they respect others’ beliefs. I don’t think the problem is that Christians have forgotten that Jesus preached love and tolerance. I think the problem is that people like Mr. Salter, who have a problem with Christianity, aren’t bothering to respect the religion and are generalizing a very large faith based upon a few radical examples. Take a closer look, Mr. Salter. You may be surprised by the amount of tolerant, loving Christians, who are open to and respect all faiths.