Hmm, I think this depends on who you ask and how exactly they define narrow mindedness. I think secular society considers the narrow minded to be those who refuse to believe or accept points of view other than their own. They may also see those who are “narrow minded” as socially intolerant and self-righteous.
Assuming my generalization of narrow mindedness is fairly accurate, I’d like to address some of these points. First off, is it really wrong to have a set belief? Is it wrong to have faith in what your religion says to be true? If it is, aside from believing any of us should feel self-righteous, I would agree there might be a degree of narrow mindedness in Christianity. After all, when looking at Matthew 7:13-14:
- “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
I would much rather take the narrow road even if it means some will think I’m strange. What seems easy and socially acceptable isn’t always what’s right.
I think there is a misconception about many Christians as well that our faith is merely a belief or something that makes us feel good. Christianity is—and should be, a way of life. Being a Christian isn’t about feeling good or just believing something to be true. It is much deeper in that it involves submitting yourself to the will of God the best you are able to.
Many of us have tasted another life and didn’t feel satisfied. Like others, I have questioned my faith. I have been open to what others believe as truth, but Christianity is only belief that has truly made sense to me. Does this make me narrow minded? Does believing what the Bible says to be truth make us narrow minded?
I suppose in a sense we as believers should be narrow minded, after all, we are seeking the “narrow” gate. But we should never feel we have all the answers. I learn more from being challenged by others. I’ll end here with one last verse from Psalms 14:12 which says:
- “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
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Are Christians Called to Be Tolerant?
Scripture references are quoted from the NKJV.