The rise of intolerance and how to squash it.

How did America get to the point where many in our culture have become hyper-sensitive and intolerant to opposing opinions?

Rising intolerance, when it comes to difference in opinions, has slithered its way from college campuses to the political arena. #criticalthinking is required for us to understand what is happening in our culture and how to go about having open conversations with varying opinions.

[Don't worry, these words won't hurt.]

"The Coddling of the American Mind" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt delves deep into the emerging culture of "safetyism" in America, particularly on college campuses.

Here's a brief summary (we need to know how we got here) and some potential solutions for Christian innovators when engaging in secular communities that are ironically, intolerant to your worldview:

Summary of How America Got Here:

1. Paranoid Parenting: An increase in overly protective parenting has limited the experiences of children, making them less resilient and more fragile as they enter college.

2. Fear of Harm: There's been an exaggerated emphasis on preventing emotional harm, which has been expanded to mental harm, leading students to demand protection from words and ideas they find offensive.

3. Polarization & Echo Chambers: The rise of social media and the decline of face-to-face interactions have enabled individuals to encase themselves in ideological bubbles, further polarizing opinions and stifling diverse thought. This has been an issue in the workplace for young adults. They don't know how to deal with conflict resolution and expect HR to deal with issues that are normally resolved by two mature adults.

4. Misinterpretations of Justice: Well-intentioned efforts to achieve social justice have sometimes deviated into shutting down voices deemed "harmful", creating an environment where any dissenting opinion is suppressed.

Potential Solutions for Christian Innovators:

1. Promote a Culture of Grace: Emphasize forgiveness, understanding, and open dialogue as integral aspects of the Christian faith. Use biblical teachings to highlight the importance of listening to and understanding others.

2. Educational Reform: Partner with educational institutions to introduce courses that teach critical thinking, civil discourse, and the value of diverse opinions. Encourage discussions where students are exposed to a wide array of viewpoints. You are here to grow in the face of opposition so that you can mature. You are not here to run from difference of opinion.

3. Host Open Forums: Create spaces where individuals can voice their opinions without fear of backlash. These could be on college campuses, in churches, or in community centers. The rest of us cannot continue to walk on eggshells.

4. Leverage Media: Use Christian media platforms to showcase healthy debates, discussions, and stories of reconciliation. This can serve as a model for others.

5. Mentorship Programs for building resilience: Establish mentorship programs where seasoned thinkers guide younger generations in critical thinking, resilience, and effective communication.

6. Encourage Face-to-face Interactions: Organize events, gatherings, or workshops that encourage people to interact in person, facilitating genuine understanding and breaking down digital echo chambers.

7. Prayer & Reflection: Encourage communities to come together in prayer and reflection, asking for wisdom, patience, and understanding in navigating these challenges. By promoting values of understanding, grace, and open dialogue rooted in faith, Christian innovators can potentially pave a way for a more harmonious discourse in various spheres of American society.

The Christian is set apart from this world. When you stoop to the level of common hatred and intolerance you ruin your witness.

Learn to ask questions instead of argue.

You don't have to be right. You just have to be there.

Stewart? Severino