You really can’t make absolute statements about any group.
There are intolerant people who are Catholic and there are intolerant people who are non-Catholic. There are, of course, both Catholic and non-Catholic people who are tolerant.
I think the real question is “Is the Catholic position of having the Truth, the Whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth intolerant?”
A related question is “Is the Catholic perception of Truth the Whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth, or is it just a perception?”
Here lies a serious disconnect that causes mutual impressions of arrogance.
Catholics believe they have the Truth, while non-Catholics (and especially some of us non-Christians), believe what Catholics have is just a perception of Truth - and not quite a true perception at that.
The more an individual Catholic or non-Catholic is a “do as I say, not as I do” person, the more arrogant and intolerant their position appears to others - Catholic and non-Catholic alike.
The more a person lives what they believe, the more respect they’re going to get (at least from others who live what they themselves believe).
Someone else here once presented a very nice quote. I don’t remember it exactly, but it was something to the effect:
“Preach always, and when necessary use words.”
I would add that one’s preaching is always much louder via one’s actions - no matter how loudly one proclaims their words.
When there is a disconnect between one’s actions and one’s words, you’re going to be seen as arrogant and intolerant - it doesn’t matter what religion you identify yourself with.
Reply:
A very thoughful reply. Thanks.
The quote you used is attributed to many Saints, but most often to Saint Francis.
Another great quote, supports your position on how we need to live. “The only bible most people are going to read, is how you live your life.” True and very true.
However, I must disagree with your position on Catholic truth and teaching. Every Dogma, and every Doctrine is supported by evidence proving the position. Any failure to do so is but a human failure."
Jesus only founded one Church, and that same Church has been in constant existance for 2000 years. This, because Jesus Himself promised “that the gates of hell (untruth) will not prevail against Her.” Mt. 16:18-20
The RCC has been, is, and shall continue to be the source for all truth on matters of Faith and Morals.
Jesus would not found a Church, and leave it completely on it’s own? No he sent the Holy Spirit to guide it, and installed a system of governance that has lasted these 2000 years.
Acts 2: "
1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. "
John 16: "7* Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9* concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10* concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more; 11* concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
12 “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. *
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” **
God special blessings on you and yours,
