Must we be tolerant towards the intolerant?

A non-Christian gay friend of mine has asked me to sign a petition to ban F Graham from speaking in the UK, because of the latter's supposed hatred of LGBTQ folks. Needless to say, I declined because I do seek to live by the golden rule (Matthew 7:12)! By that kind of egological thinking (if thinking is the right word), one would have to ban, or, re-write the Bible (I’ll leave that to the spineless archbishop of Canterbury), or burn the Qur’an. Neither seems right to me, and, I trust, so say all of us!

Perhaps someone could prosecute ‘Eminem’, or help him develop a better grasp of the English language, as long as it is not from Shakespeare, with my apologies to Alastair Stewart, of course! Eminem’s lyrics ARE offensive, but I can choose not to listen to him! The same applies to so many other things in life, including people like Greta or Donald or Jeremy, not to mention my own name! 

Some people must surely be tired of hearing so much about history (why not herstory?); and ladybirds, what’s that all about?! MPs giving maiden speeches, how offensive is that?! Manchester! Who ever invented that name?! Tremendous trifles to be fought over! What could matter more? Where is my Newspeak dictionary?

I profoundly disagree with many friends, and often with myself, but that does not mean I hate others or myself! I certainly disagree with much that Franklin Graham stands for, but reading 'The cancellation of Franklin Graham’s tour events is a seminal moment for the UK' has sent shivers down my spine. The author has a point, and we all need to be alert and should not be afraid to stand up against bullies, ecclesiastical ones included! 

I have to remind myself again and again that it is indeed 2020 and not 1984! But by the sound of it, it looks more like January 1933, and we all know what happened to the voice of dissent!