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14 October, 2024

When Tolerance Becomes a Crime: Standing Against Moral Decay

When Tolerance Becomes a Crime - Standing Against Moral Decay

Thomas Mann once said, “Tolerance becomes a crime when applied to evil,” and this quote feels more relevant than ever in today’s society. In modern times, we have seen behaviors that were once universally condemned—such as abortion, theft, sex work, and drug use—become normalized under the guise of tolerance. While tolerance is generally viewed as a virtue, when it is applied to actions that undermine moral foundations, it can lead to societal decay.

The Decline of Moral Standards

Consider abortion. What was once regarded as the sacred protection of innocent life has now become a matter of “personal choice.” By tolerating the termination of unborn children, we have eroded one of the most fundamental moral principles—the inherent value of life. This tolerance has led to a culture where life, especially in its earliest stages, is no longer held as sacred.

Small acts of theft, such as shoplifting, are often dismissed as responses to social inequality or need. But theft, no matter how small, diminishes respect for private property and the rule of law. When these acts are tolerated, we encourage a culture of entitlement and lawlessness, which in turn weakens the social fabric of our communities.

Sex work, once widely condemned as immoral and degrading, has been reframed as a matter of personal freedom or choice. Yet, the normalization of this industry dehumanizes individuals, perpetuates exploitation, and erodes the sanctity of human sexuality. By tolerating sex work, we undermine values that once upheld marriage, family, and the dignity of each person.

Drug use has similarly become more accepted in many parts of the world, with movements to decriminalize or legalize certain substances gaining ground. Though these efforts may appear compassionate on the surface, the reality is that tolerating drug use leads to broken families, homelessness, addiction, and a general decline in public health. What begins as tolerance often ends in deep societal wounds that are difficult to heal.

The Cost of Tolerating Evil

When we tolerate behaviors that directly oppose core moral values, we erode the foundation of our society. As Thomas Mann suggests, this tolerance is not merely a passive act; it becomes complicity. Allowing evil to persist unchecked creates an environment where injustice, degradation, and immorality are allowed to thrive. The effects are far-reaching, weakening families, communities, and nations.

So, how do we reverse this trend? How do we stand against the moral decay that has taken root in society?

What We Can Do as Individuals

  1. Strengthen Personal Morality: It starts with each of us. We need to reflect on our own lives and the standards we live by. Are we tolerating small evils in our behavior or turning a blind eye to things we know are wrong? By recommitting ourselves to higher moral standards, we set an example for those around us and create ripple effects of positive change.

  2. Choose Leaders and Laws Wisely: When it comes to choosing leaders or voting on laws, we must prioritize those who uphold moral principles over those who simply advocate for convenience or popularity. Elect leaders who stand for life, family, and responsibility. Support laws that reinforce decency and promote the common good, rather than allowing for the further erosion of our societal values.

  3. Promote Moral Education: Many of today’s problems stem from a lack of understanding about the consequences of moral decay. In our homes, schools, and communities, we can emphasize the importance of life, responsibility, and human dignity. We must teach children that personal freedom is not a license to harm oneself or others and that some behaviors, no matter how normalized, are destructive to individuals and society.

  4. Support Policies That Restore Decency: Advocate for policies that protect the most vulnerable—especially unborn children, families, and those struggling with addiction. Push back against movements that seek to legalize harmful behaviors, and instead promote solutions that address the root causes of problems like poverty, exploitation, and addiction. Healing and recovery must be prioritized over mere tolerance.

  5. Engage in Civil Discourse: Speak out for truth in the public sphere. Too often, tolerance of evil persists because good people remain silent. By engaging in respectful but firm dialogue, we help shift the culture back toward decency and virtue. It’s not enough to disagree privately; we must be willing to stand for what is right in our communities and online.

Choosing the Better Path

As individuals, we have a choice—to tolerate behaviors that lead to moral decay, or to stand up and work toward a society built on decency, virtue, and responsibility. The path to restoring these values isn’t easy, but it’s essential. Tolerating evil, as Mann reminds us, isn’t an act of kindness—it’s a crime against the moral fabric that holds societies together.

By choosing better leaders, advocating for better laws, and personally living by higher standards, we can begin to undo the damage caused by the unchecked tolerance of destructive behaviors. We must have the courage to say no to evil, in all its forms, and yes to the values that lead to flourishing communities. Only by doing so can we rebuild a society that holds life, dignity, and morality in the highest regard.