Although a relatively short book of 176 pages, D.A Carson’s The Intolerance of Tolerance delivers a powerful punch to the jaw of what he describes as the “new tolerance.” Carson, who is a research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, has long offered deep and insightful commentary on contemporary culture through such works as The Gagging of God and Christ and Culture Revisited. The Intolerance of Tolerance does not disappoint in terms of what his readers have come to expect.

One of the central premises of Carson’s argument is the difference between what he terms the old tolerance and the new tolerance. A subtle difference between how tolerance used to be defined and is now defined has crept into modern day culture. In a nutshell, the old tolerance was defined as “accepting the existence of different views” and today the new tolerance is defined as the “acceptance of different views”(p 3). Spot the difference? The first definition acknowledges that different views and opinions exist and that people have the right to express and hold these beliefs. This stance also presupposes the right to disagree with these views. However, this definition does not affirm that all beliefs, views and opinions are equally valid or true. The new tolerance, however, does precisely this by asserting that all views and beliefs are equally valid. Carson articulates the point when he writes, “The new tolerance suggests that actually accepting another’s position means believing that position to be true, or at least as true as your own. We move from allowing the free expression of contrary opinions to the acceptance of all opinions; we leap from permitting the articulation of beliefs and claims with which we do not agree to asserting that all beliefs and claims are equally valid. Thus we slide from the old tolerance to the new” (p 3-4).

D. A. Carson

After laying out his basic thesis, Carson begins by presenting miscellaneous examples of the new tolerance at work over the last decade. He draws on examples ranging from the business and medical worlds to the domains of education, the media and homosexuality. What emerges is a disturbing picture of a new form of tolerance that will tolerate anything except that which it deems to be intolerant. And thus a new form of intolerance is born. This irony, however, seems to be lost on many. Carson continues in his next chapter with a historical survey on the topic of tolerance. These “jottings” as Carson labels them, are designed to highlight some of the best thinking on the subject. Throughout this chapter, I found myself constantly underlining memorable quotes and insights.

Carson finishes out the chapter by observing that the new tolerance “has become a supreme virtue, if not the supreme virtue, of much of the Western world and beyond” (p 76).  Within this ascertainment, Carson makes an important point: This new form of tolerance is a problem particularly inherent to the Western world and one that smugly dismisses the claims of other cultures. Carson elaborates, “The West, not least with its fiscal and digital power, is perceived by many to be culture-destroying, superficial, self-righteous, parading superiority because of its ‘tolerance,’ while that very tolerance destroys everything that disagrees with it” (p 77).

Scandals pop up everywhere. Type into a Google search, “Scandals of 2012,” and one finds about 81 million results. Are scandals really scandalous in this day and age or is the use of the term “scandalous” simply utilized to gain attention? Admittedly, the title captured me because I sense excitement about the prospect of understanding further how the first century observer of the cross and resurrection might have seen these components of the life of the Christ as scandalous. After reading the thoughtful and insightful text, I was surprised by the direction D.A. Carson took as he guided the reader through ironies, miracles, doubts and unexpected components of the cross and resurrection.

D.A. Carson’s text, Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, contains addresses given at the 2008 Resurgence Conference. He indicates the purpose of this book is “to provide an introductory explanation of the cross and resurrection. I do this by unpacking what some of the earliest witnesses of Jesus’ death and resurrection wrote” (p. 11).

Carson’s text examines Matt 27:27-51a, Rom 3:21-26, Rev 12, John 11:1-53 and John 20:24-31. Expository in nature, Carson provides practical illustrations for readers to have another way of looking at the centrality of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Carson utilizes Matt 27:27-51a to effectively highlight four ironies that occur at the cross. With increased doubt and skepticism in the world today, Carson reveals that on the cross, Jesus not only cries out in despair but ironically trusts God. Carson borrows from Martin Luther’s idea that Rom 3:21-26 serves as the “center” of the entire Bible (p. 39) and expounds upon Paul’s words to the Romans reinforcing Luther’s claim. The examination of Rev 12 reveals the slaughtered lamb will reign. John 11:1-53 reveals the surprising nature of the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, and the book abruptly ends with investigating the doubt of Thomas in John 20:24-31. Carson’s insights may prove useful for personal study and reflection or for the pastor or layperson about to teach or encounter these texts.

In Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, Carson employs poignant phrases that expose and explode pre-suppositions that may negatively impact one’s ability to process the significance of the cross and resurrection of Jesus. One example is the accusation that we are somehow guilty of what Carson calls the “de-godding of God” (p. 68), which appears to be idolatry. Is it idolatry when we worship God for who we want him to be and not who he has revealed himself to be? For example, is it possible that we are guilty of de-godding God when we mention only the love of God on the cross and not the justice of God? Do we strive to teach the revealed nature of God even when it may appear scandalous? Carson undoubtedly gives the reader much to ponder regarding the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Reviewed by Matthew Jones

Preview Scandalous: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Scandalous/ZaCzO7l4jeUC