There has been a lot of visceral anger that has come out against Chick-Fil-A recently, since it’s President has expressed his opinion of being anti-gay marriage. (As if you didn’t know that already.)
What I find interesting (and ironic) is that people who dislike the church – which usually seems to be predicated as the church is intolerant of others views – find themselves so intolerant of people who stand by the beliefs of the church, demonstrated by the boycotting of said company’s stores.
Which brings me to my point.
The correct response, is to speak out against the stores, but to continue to go to them – assuming you like what they have to serve.
In my mind, the difference between differing opinions (which I support) and intolerance (which I reject) is demonstrated by action.
I fully respect your right as an individual to think whatever thoughts you may have, no matter how silly I think they may be. Of course, I don’t need to spend time with someone I think is silly – however, hopefully I am big enough to listen carefully, and without bias, to the other party before writing them off entirely.
However, I will not allow these thoughts to stop me from respecting your rights as an individual to think these thoughts, since in doing that I am actually rejecting your right to exist. And this means, that I can’t take a negative action against you in response to your thoughts. Which brings me back to my point:
Intolerance is demonstrated by action, not thought.