Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - The Most Misunderstood Word In America (Part 2)

June 4, 2026 | 27:29

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

#Tradition-American #Tolerance #Culture #Hypocrisy #Judgement #Sin #Belief #Unbelief #FreedomofSpeech #Government #AmericanHistory #Respect #Rejection #Lifestyle #Choices #RobertJeffress

Closed captions

Show Timecode

Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - The Most Misunderstood Word In America (Part 2) | June 4, 2026

...
00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.346
♪♪♪
00:00:01.814 --> 00:00:07.553
Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church
00:00:07.653 --> 00:00:09.621
Of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
00:00:09.721 --> 00:00:12.591
With dr. robert jeffress.
00:00:12.724 --> 00:00:13.158
Dr robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress, and
00:00:15.327 --> 00:00:16.662
Welcome again to "pathway to victory."
00:00:16.662 --> 00:00:19.064
America is a place where people of all races, religions, and
00:00:19.064 --> 00:00:22.568
Backgrounds can live in harmony.
00:00:22.568 --> 00:00:25.170
And while this type of community couldn't work without a heavy
00:00:25.170 --> 00:00:28.240
Dose of tolerance, our contemporary understanding of
00:00:28.240 --> 00:00:31.910
The word has taken on an alarming definition.
00:00:31.910 --> 00:00:35.948
Today, i'll expose how tolerance has changed from its historical
00:00:35.948 --> 00:00:39.818
Meaning and the serious ramifications of that change
00:00:39.818 --> 00:00:43.789
In our culture today.
00:00:43.789 --> 00:00:45.524
My message is titled, "the most misunderstood word in america,"
00:00:45.524 --> 00:00:50.028
On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
00:00:50.028 --> 00:00:54.066
♪ all the colors of the rainbow ♪
00:00:54.133 --> 00:00:58.971
♪ all the voices of the wind ♪
00:00:58.971 --> 00:01:03.942
♪ every dream that reaches out ♪
00:01:03.942 --> 00:01:08.514
♪ reaches out to find where love began ♪
00:01:08.514 --> 00:01:14.119
♪ every word of every story ♪
00:01:14.119 --> 00:01:19.091
♪ every star in every sky ♪
00:01:19.091 --> 00:01:24.363
♪ every corner of creation ♪
00:01:24.363 --> 00:01:27.533
♪ lives to testify ♪
00:01:27.533 --> 00:01:34.072
♪ for as long as i shall live ♪
00:01:35.073 --> 00:01:37.576
♪ i will testify to love ♪
00:01:37.576 --> 00:01:39.811
♪ i'll be a witness in the silences ♪
00:01:39.811 --> 00:01:42.748
♪ when words are not enough ♪
00:01:42.748 --> 00:01:44.983
♪ with every breath i take ♪
00:01:44.983 --> 00:01:47.553
♪ i will give thanks to god above ♪
00:01:47.553 --> 00:01:50.189
♪ for as long as i shall live ♪
00:01:50.189 --> 00:01:53.125
♪ i will testify to love ♪
00:01:53.125 --> 00:01:58.997
♪ from the mountains to the valleys ♪
00:02:00.265 --> 00:02:04.369
♪ yes, from the rivers to the sea ♪
00:02:04.369 --> 00:02:09.374
♪ every hand that reaches out ♪
00:02:10.542 --> 00:02:14.713
♪ every hand that reaches out to offer peace ♪
00:02:14.713 --> 00:02:20.352
♪ every simple act of mercy ♪
00:02:20.352 --> 00:02:25.724
♪ and every step to kingdom come ♪
00:02:25.724 --> 00:02:30.862
♪ all the hope in every heart will ♪
00:02:30.862 --> 00:02:33.799
♪ speak what love has done ♪
00:02:33.799 --> 00:02:40.038
♪ for as long as i shall live ♪
00:02:41.340 --> 00:02:43.775
♪ i will testify to love ♪
00:02:43.775 --> 00:02:46.178
♪ i'll be a witness in the silences ♪
00:02:46.178 --> 00:02:49.114
♪ when words are not enough ♪
00:02:49.114 --> 00:02:51.383
♪ with every breath i take ♪
00:02:51.383 --> 00:02:53.952
♪ i will give thanks to god above ♪
00:02:53.952 --> 00:02:56.555
♪ for as long as i shall live ♪
00:02:56.555 --> 00:02:58.957
♪ i will testify to love ♪
00:02:58.957 --> 00:03:04.963
♪♪♪
00:03:07.199 --> 00:03:15.707
♪ i testify, testify ♪
00:03:15.707 --> 00:03:18.710
♪ for as long as i shall live ♪
00:03:18.710 --> 00:03:21.146
♪ testify, testify ♪
00:03:21.146 --> 00:03:23.615
♪ i just can't help but testify ♪
00:03:23.615 --> 00:03:26.318
♪ words of every story ♪
00:03:26.318 --> 00:03:28.253
♪ stars in the sky ♪
00:03:28.253 --> 00:03:29.621
♪ corner of creation testify ♪
00:03:29.621 --> 00:03:34.326
♪ for as long as i shall testify, testify ♪
00:03:35.327 --> 00:03:44.603
♪ every breath i take ♪
00:03:44.603 --> 00:03:47.706
♪ will give thanks to god and testify ♪
00:03:47.706 --> 00:03:50.709
♪ for as long as i shall live ♪
00:03:50.709 --> 00:03:52.744
♪ i will testify ♪
00:03:52.744 --> 00:03:55.714
♪ for as long as i shall live ♪
00:03:55.714 --> 00:03:57.849
♪ i will testify to love ♪
00:03:57.849 --> 00:04:00.385
♪ i'll be a witness in the silences ♪
00:04:00.385 --> 00:04:03.288
♪ when words are not enough ♪
00:04:03.288 --> 00:04:05.791
♪ with every breath i take ♪
00:04:05.791 --> 00:04:07.959
♪ i will give thanks to god above ♪
00:04:07.959 --> 00:04:10.696
♪ for as long as i shall live ♪
00:04:10.696 --> 00:04:13.065
♪ i will testify to love ♪♪
00:04:13.065 --> 00:04:23.075
♪♪♪
00:04:23.075 --> 00:04:33.118
Announcer: as our nation marks 250 years, america
00:04:36.555 --> 00:04:39.591
Stands at a crossroads.
00:04:39.591 --> 00:04:41.393
Will we return to the god who blessed us or continue down a
00:04:41.393 --> 00:04:44.596
Path that leads to ruin?
00:04:44.596 --> 00:04:46.531
Through the in god we trust matching challenge, your gift
00:04:46.531 --> 00:04:49.434
Today will be doubled in ministry impact.
00:04:49.434 --> 00:04:52.104
For 30 years, "pathway to victory" has pierced the
00:04:52.104 --> 00:04:54.673
Darkness of our nation with the light of god's word by sharing
00:04:54.673 --> 00:04:57.976
Biblical truth that transforms hearts.
00:04:57.976 --> 00:05:00.879
Join us in this critical hour by giving toward the in god we
00:05:00.879 --> 00:05:04.216
Trust matching challenge today.
00:05:04.216 --> 00:05:06.685
♪♪♪
00:05:07.352 --> 00:05:15.360
Jeffress: a few years ago, i was invited to be on a panel
00:05:15.360 --> 00:05:17.929
Discussion at one of the largest jewish temples here in dallas.
00:05:17.929 --> 00:05:21.733
And the panel discussion had to do with the separation of church
00:05:21.733 --> 00:05:25.604
And state.
00:05:25.604 --> 00:05:26.972
Now, on the panel with me was a jewish rabbi, a minister from a
00:05:26.972 --> 00:05:29.408
Liberal mainline denomination, a member of the texas state board
00:05:29.408 --> 00:05:32.611
Of education, and yours truly was the token conservative.
00:05:32.611 --> 00:05:36.715
During the discussion, one of the panelists asked me
00:05:36.715 --> 00:05:39.684
This question.
00:05:39.684 --> 00:05:41.019
They said, dr. jeffress, why are you so opposed to teaching
00:05:41.019 --> 00:05:45.023
Evolution in the public classroom?
00:05:45.023 --> 00:05:47.392
I said, i'm not opposed to teaching evolution at all.
00:05:47.392 --> 00:05:50.595
I think evolution ought to be taught.
00:05:50.595 --> 00:05:53.665
My question to you, i said was, why are you so opposed to
00:05:53.665 --> 00:05:57.436
Allowing creationism also to be taught as an alternate theory?
00:05:57.436 --> 00:06:02.707
See that is the hypocrisy of tolerance.
00:06:02.707 --> 00:06:06.778
I mean, i thought the whole basis of education was
00:06:06.778 --> 00:06:09.448
Questioning different theories, and re-questioning and retesting
00:06:09.448 --> 00:06:13.885
Different theories.
00:06:13.885 --> 00:06:15.754
The intolerance of these pseudo-tolerant people reaches
00:06:15.754 --> 00:06:19.825
Into spiritual issues as well.
00:06:19.825 --> 00:06:21.827
I want you to read carefully this statement from reverend
00:06:21.827 --> 00:06:24.663
William murray, a prominent unitarian universalist minister.
00:06:24.663 --> 00:06:28.366
Listen to what he says about what he calls intolerant
00:06:28.366 --> 00:06:31.269
Religions, of which he would say you're a part of.
00:06:31.269 --> 00:06:34.573
Listen to what he says, quote, "i get a little impatient with
00:06:34.573 --> 00:06:38.243
The concept that we should tolerate all religions because
00:06:38.243 --> 00:06:41.913
People are entitled to their own beliefs.
00:06:41.913 --> 00:06:44.282
If a religion is based on ignorance and irrationality and
00:06:44.282 --> 00:06:49.087
Totalitarianism," think evangelical christianity.
00:06:49.087 --> 00:06:53.158
"if a religion is based on these things, there is no need to
00:06:53.158 --> 00:06:56.695
Stand aside and pretend that's okay.
00:06:56.695 --> 00:06:59.264
What i would say about tolerance is we cannot
00:06:59.264 --> 00:07:03.201
Tolerate intolerance."
00:07:03.201 --> 00:07:05.537
Now, that statement reveals the hypocrisy of pseudo-tolerance.
00:07:05.537 --> 00:07:12.077
Number three, pseudo-tolerance refuses to differentiate between
00:07:12.077 --> 00:07:16.882
People and their beliefs and their behavior.
00:07:16.882 --> 00:07:20.485
Pseudo-tolerance refuses to allow you to differentiate
00:07:20.485 --> 00:07:24.022
Between people and their beliefs and behavior.
00:07:24.022 --> 00:07:26.992
You see one of the basic tenets of pseudo-tolerance is, you
00:07:26.992 --> 00:07:30.662
Cannot separate people from their beliefs, behavior
00:07:30.662 --> 00:07:33.765
Or choices.
00:07:33.765 --> 00:07:35.133
In other words, to reject islam is to reject muslims.
00:07:35.133 --> 00:07:39.437
If you oppose same sex marriages, it means you
00:07:39.437 --> 00:07:42.007
Hate homosexuals.
00:07:42.007 --> 00:07:43.608
If you lobby for the repeal of roe v.
00:07:43.608 --> 00:07:45.510
Wade, it means you must despise every woman who has ever had
00:07:45.510 --> 00:07:49.247
An abortion.
00:07:49.247 --> 00:07:50.749
Do you see how insidious that is to say that you can't separate
00:07:50.749 --> 00:07:54.886
People from their behaviors?
00:07:54.886 --> 00:07:57.856
Thank goodness god separates us from our behavior.
00:07:57.856 --> 00:08:01.426
He says, i hate what you do, but i love you.
00:08:01.426 --> 00:08:06.164
But you see those who embrace pseudo-tolerance won't allow for
00:08:06.164 --> 00:08:09.134
Such a separation.
00:08:09.134 --> 00:08:10.635
By equating the rejection of ideas and behavior with the
00:08:10.635 --> 00:08:13.872
Hatred of people.
00:08:13.872 --> 00:08:15.240
The proponents of pseudo-tolerance, what they do
00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:17.242
Is they stifle all discussion.
00:08:17.242 --> 00:08:19.344
Once you subscribe to the path, that belief that all paths lead
00:08:19.344 --> 00:08:22.747
To god, you have no motivation to proclaim the gospel of
00:08:22.747 --> 00:08:26.585
Jesus christ.
00:08:26.585 --> 00:08:28.019
However, what i wanna argue tonight is, instead of rejecting
00:08:28.019 --> 00:08:31.623
The concept of tolerance all together, what we need to do is
00:08:31.623 --> 00:08:34.893
Return to the historic understanding of true tolerance.
00:08:34.893 --> 00:08:39.064
And what i mean by true tolerance can not only enhance
00:08:39.064 --> 00:08:42.968
Our preserving influences christians in this world.
00:08:42.968 --> 00:08:46.304
But if we model true tolerance, we can also boost
00:08:46.304 --> 00:08:49.341
The brightness of our witness for christ.
00:08:49.341 --> 00:08:52.010
How does true tolerance differ from pseudo tolerance?
00:08:52.010 --> 00:08:55.146
In three distinct ways.
00:08:55.146 --> 00:08:56.481
Number one, true tolerance requires making a judgment.
00:08:56.481 --> 00:09:01.219
Write that down.
00:09:01.219 --> 00:09:02.554
True tolerance requires making a judgment.
00:09:02.554 --> 00:09:05.557
Remember, you can only disagree with those things that you
00:09:05.557 --> 00:09:09.828
Disagree with.
00:09:09.828 --> 00:09:11.196
You can only tolerate those things with which you disagree
00:09:11.196 --> 00:09:13.698
With, like same sex marriage, or those things you dislike,
00:09:13.698 --> 00:09:17.168
Like key lime pie.
00:09:17.168 --> 00:09:18.503
Okay?
00:09:18.503 --> 00:09:19.838
So that means you have to make a judgment.
00:09:19.838 --> 00:09:22.040
Disagreement, dislike mean you have to make a judgment first
00:09:22.040 --> 00:09:27.379
Of all.
00:09:27.379 --> 00:09:28.713
So if you're gonna be truly tolerant, you have to decide
00:09:28.713 --> 00:09:30.882
What you dislike and disagree with, and that means making
00:09:30.882 --> 00:09:34.386
A judgment.
00:09:34.386 --> 00:09:35.720
Now we make judgments all the time, don't we?
00:09:35.720 --> 00:09:37.856
And yet today, the proponents of pseudo-tolerance have convinced
00:09:37.856 --> 00:09:40.925
Us that it is unloving, and unkind, and even unchristian to
00:09:40.925 --> 00:09:44.629
Make any kind of moral or spiritual judgment.
00:09:44.629 --> 00:09:48.233
And they always quote the words of jesus.
00:09:48.233 --> 00:09:50.201
After all, they said, didn't jesus say, "judge not lest you
00:09:50.201 --> 00:09:54.539
Be judged?"
00:09:54.539 --> 00:09:55.874
I want you to turn there for a moment to matthew chapter 7.
00:09:55.874 --> 00:09:58.610
"do not judge lest you be judged.
00:09:58.610 --> 00:10:00.545
For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your
00:10:00.545 --> 00:10:04.049
Standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
00:10:04.049 --> 00:10:06.551
And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye,
00:10:06.551 --> 00:10:10.088
But do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
00:10:10.088 --> 00:10:12.957
Or how can you say to your brother, 'let me take the speck
00:10:12.957 --> 00:10:15.694
Out of your eye,' and behold the log is in your own eye?
00:10:15.694 --> 00:10:19.030
You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and
00:10:19.030 --> 00:10:24.836
Then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of
00:10:24.836 --> 00:10:28.840
Your brother's eye."
00:10:28.840 --> 00:10:30.442
Now, obviously, jesus is not talking about
00:10:30.442 --> 00:10:33.344
Ophthalmologists here.
00:10:33.344 --> 00:10:34.879
What he's talking about is this, if you see a fellow christian
00:10:34.879 --> 00:10:39.851
Who is involved in sin, what are you supposed to do?
00:10:39.851 --> 00:10:44.956
Oh, you ought to do everything you could to help remove that
00:10:44.956 --> 00:10:48.159
Speck from his eye.
00:10:48.159 --> 00:10:50.295
And you do it, not because you hate him, but because you care
00:10:50.295 --> 00:10:52.864
About him.
00:10:52.864 --> 00:10:54.199
But to remove that speck from his eye, you have to make
00:10:54.199 --> 00:10:56.668
A series of judgment.
00:10:56.668 --> 00:10:58.069
And what he's talking about is sin.
00:10:58.069 --> 00:10:59.671
If you see sin in another believer's life that is causing
00:10:59.671 --> 00:11:03.174
Him trouble, that is causing bad things in his life, you need to
00:11:03.174 --> 00:11:08.913
Help him out.
00:11:08.913 --> 00:11:10.281
And that means making a judgment.
00:11:10.281 --> 00:11:12.150
And jesus says, by the way, before you try to help him with
00:11:12.150 --> 00:11:14.953
Sin in his life, take the blindfold off, examine your own
00:11:14.953 --> 00:11:18.890
Life, first of all, to be sure you're ready to perform
00:11:18.890 --> 00:11:21.126
The operation.
00:11:21.126 --> 00:11:22.460
Take that beam, that two by four out of your eye as well.
00:11:22.460 --> 00:11:25.363
That is what jesus is talking about here.
00:11:25.363 --> 00:11:27.499
He's not saying we never should make any judgment at all.
00:11:27.499 --> 00:11:31.035
In fact, true tolerance requires making a judgment.
00:11:31.035 --> 00:11:35.473
And that leads to a second characteristic of
00:11:35.473 --> 00:11:37.442
True tolerance.
00:11:37.442 --> 00:11:38.810
True tolerance is grounded in a genuine concern for
00:11:38.810 --> 00:11:42.147
Other people.
00:11:42.147 --> 00:11:43.481
The only reason you try to remove a particle from
00:11:43.481 --> 00:11:45.483
Somebody's eye is for the well being of that individual.
00:11:45.483 --> 00:11:48.987
To allow this believing christian to engage in sin
00:11:48.987 --> 00:11:52.423
Without ever saying anything about it, is to show unlove
00:11:52.423 --> 00:11:56.528
Toward him.
00:11:56.528 --> 00:11:57.896
You need to correct him, even though it's temporarily painful,
00:11:57.896 --> 00:12:00.899
You correct him in order to save his spirit.
00:12:00.899 --> 00:12:04.369
Don't fall for the mistaken belief that making judgments
00:12:04.369 --> 00:12:07.272
About another person's behavior is hateful.
00:12:07.272 --> 00:12:10.041
The famous evangelist of yesteryear, charles finney once
00:12:10.041 --> 00:12:12.844
Said, "if you see your neighbor's sin and pass by and
00:12:12.844 --> 00:12:17.282
Neglect to reprove him, it is just as cruel as if you should
00:12:17.282 --> 00:12:21.519
See his house on fire, and pass by and not warn him of it."
00:12:21.519 --> 00:12:26.391
True tolerance is many times showing a genuine concern
00:12:26.391 --> 00:12:30.995
For others.
00:12:30.995 --> 00:12:32.330
Number three, true tolerance allows for preferences.
00:12:32.330 --> 00:12:37.735
Proponents of pseudo-tolerance have convinced us that tolerance
00:12:37.735 --> 00:12:42.273
Necessitates neutrality.
00:12:42.273 --> 00:12:43.975
Pseudo-tolerance says you can't have any judgments about
00:12:43.975 --> 00:12:46.678
Anything and truly be tolerant.
00:12:46.678 --> 00:12:49.013
But to be truly accepting of others, the fact is, we need to
00:12:49.013 --> 00:12:53.518
Express our preference for certain choices, beliefs
00:12:53.518 --> 00:12:57.088
And behavior.
00:12:57.088 --> 00:12:58.556
Let me illustrate that for you on a governmental level, if
00:12:58.556 --> 00:13:01.726
I could.
00:13:01.726 --> 00:13:03.061
Our constitution demands that we allow people to worship any god
00:13:03.061 --> 00:13:07.866
They choose to worship, or no god at all.
00:13:07.866 --> 00:13:11.102
That is the first amendment.
00:13:11.102 --> 00:13:13.171
However, the fact that our constitution demands that
00:13:13.171 --> 00:13:16.541
Everyone have the freedom to embrace any religious beliefs or
00:13:16.541 --> 00:13:19.644
No religious beliefs, does not mean that the government cannot
00:13:19.644 --> 00:13:24.582
Demonstrate a preference for christianity.
00:13:24.582 --> 00:13:28.253
You see many people erroneously believe that the first amendment
00:13:28.253 --> 00:13:31.890
Of the constitution demands government neutrality, or even
00:13:31.890 --> 00:13:36.127
Hostility toward all things christians.
00:13:36.127 --> 00:13:38.730
Remember the first amendment, "congress shall make no law
00:13:38.730 --> 00:13:41.232
Regarding the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the
00:13:41.232 --> 00:13:44.969
Free exercise thereof."
00:13:44.969 --> 00:13:47.805
In recent years, the so called establishment cause has been
00:13:47.805 --> 00:13:51.075
Used to ban everything from nativity scenes in
00:13:51.075 --> 00:13:53.378
The public square, to prohibiting prayers at
00:13:53.378 --> 00:13:55.647
Graduation ceremonies, because such outward and overt christian
00:13:55.647 --> 00:13:59.984
Expressions implied the government's endorsement of a
00:13:59.984 --> 00:14:03.821
Specific religion.
00:14:03.821 --> 00:14:06.024
Now, the problem with that application of the first
00:14:06.024 --> 00:14:08.893
Amendment is it is based on a truly false understanding of
00:14:08.893 --> 00:14:13.398
The words religion and establishment.
00:14:13.398 --> 00:14:16.501
The first amendment was written and ratified to guarantee that
00:14:16.501 --> 00:14:21.572
No particular denomination within the christian sect would
00:14:21.572 --> 00:14:25.743
Be made the national church of america that everyone would have
00:14:25.743 --> 00:14:29.814
To worship in.
00:14:29.814 --> 00:14:31.182
That is all that was meant by the first amendment.
00:14:31.182 --> 00:14:33.885
When it says, "congress shall not establish a religion," it
00:14:33.885 --> 00:14:38.489
Means congress shall not establish the methodist church,
00:14:38.489 --> 00:14:42.293
The baptist church, the congregational church as
00:14:42.293 --> 00:14:45.363
The state church of which everyone must be a part of.
00:14:45.363 --> 00:14:49.434
Now, i made that claim a few weeks ago.
00:14:49.434 --> 00:14:52.103
You've heard me say that before.
00:14:52.103 --> 00:14:53.471
You may say well, now pastor, how do you know that's true?
00:14:53.471 --> 00:14:56.341
I'm gonna give you that evidence tonight and it is compelling.
00:14:56.341 --> 00:15:00.378
Supreme court justice joseph story was appointed to the
00:15:00.378 --> 00:15:04.849
Supreme court by president james madison in 1811.
00:15:04.849 --> 00:15:08.753
Do you remember who james madison was?
00:15:08.753 --> 00:15:10.888
James madison was considered the chief author and the founder of
00:15:10.888 --> 00:15:15.193
The constitution.
00:15:15.193 --> 00:15:16.594
In fact, 20 years early, a year before he appointed justice
00:15:16.594 --> 00:15:20.098
Story, james madison is the one who introduced the bill of
00:15:20.098 --> 00:15:23.868
Rights including the first amendment to congress.
00:15:23.868 --> 00:15:26.037
That was james madison.
00:15:26.037 --> 00:15:27.638
He was the architect of our constitution.
00:15:27.638 --> 00:15:30.641
He is the one who appointed supreme court justice
00:15:30.641 --> 00:15:34.612
Joseph story.
00:15:34.612 --> 00:15:35.980
Now, wouldn't you think that if president madison was going to
00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:40.051
Appoint justice story to the court, he would want to
00:15:40.051 --> 00:15:42.887
Make sure that joseph story embodied his own beliefs about
00:15:42.887 --> 00:15:46.290
The constitution.
00:15:46.290 --> 00:15:47.759
Now, justice story was made a justice of the supreme court by
00:15:47.759 --> 00:15:51.763
James madison in 1811, only 20 years after the ratification of
00:15:51.763 --> 00:15:55.967
The first amendment.
00:15:55.967 --> 00:15:57.335
So here you got a supreme court justice appointed by the
00:15:57.335 --> 00:16:00.204
Architect of the constitution, james madison, who's living at
00:16:00.204 --> 00:16:03.741
The same time as the framers of the first amendment.
00:16:03.741 --> 00:16:06.611
He was alive during the debate.
00:16:06.611 --> 00:16:08.279
It's interesting that joseph story wrote a commentary on
00:16:08.279 --> 00:16:13.785
The constitution of the united states.
00:16:13.785 --> 00:16:16.187
And in that commentary, he clarified the meaning of
00:16:16.187 --> 00:16:20.191
The first amendment, and listen to what joseph story said.
00:16:20.191 --> 00:16:24.062
He said, quote, "the real object of the first amendment was not
00:16:24.062 --> 00:16:29.767
To countenance, much less to advance islam, or judaism, or
00:16:29.767 --> 00:16:35.339
Any other infidelity by prostrating christianity.
00:16:35.339 --> 00:16:39.510
No, the whole object was to exclude all rivalry among
00:16:39.510 --> 00:16:45.616
Christian sects, denominations, and to prevent any national
00:16:45.616 --> 00:16:50.521
Ecclesiastical establishment, which should give a hierarchy
00:16:50.521 --> 00:16:54.192
The exclusive patronage of the national government."
00:16:54.192 --> 00:16:58.896
Just as story said, the whole purpose of the first amendment
00:16:58.896 --> 00:17:03.234
Was simply to create one christian sect from being
00:17:03.234 --> 00:17:06.671
The national church.
00:17:06.671 --> 00:17:08.039
He goes on to say, "never in our wildest imagination was it meant
00:17:08.039 --> 00:17:13.077
To prostrate christianity, to elevate judaism, islam, and
00:17:13.077 --> 00:17:19.750
Any other infidelity of religion
00:17:19.750 --> 00:17:22.220
Above the christian faith."
00:17:22.220 --> 00:17:24.155
Now, don't you find that fascinating?
00:17:24.155 --> 00:17:26.424
Now, i wanna ask you, whose interpretation of the first
00:17:26.424 --> 00:17:29.427
Amendment do you trust most?
00:17:29.427 --> 00:17:31.028
Do you trust justice story appointed by james madison,
00:17:31.028 --> 00:17:35.566
Who lived within 20 years of the ratification of the
00:17:35.566 --> 00:17:37.802
First amendment?
00:17:37.802 --> 00:17:39.137
Do you want to trust his interpretation of the first
00:17:39.137 --> 00:17:40.638
Amendment, or do you want to trust the interpretation of
00:17:40.638 --> 00:17:43.307
The aclu?
00:17:43.307 --> 00:17:45.042
I'm gonna go with justice story, aren't you?
00:17:45.042 --> 00:17:47.712
That is what was meant by the first amendment.
00:17:47.712 --> 00:17:50.615
"congress shall make no law regarding the establishment of
00:17:50.615 --> 00:17:54.118
A denomination."
00:17:54.118 --> 00:17:55.453
That is what he was talking about.
00:17:55.453 --> 00:17:57.388
And although the constitution allows that people are free to
00:17:57.388 --> 00:18:00.324
Embrace hinduism, islam, judaism if they want to, never should we
00:18:00.324 --> 00:18:05.229
Believe that that is in any way saying that all religions are
00:18:05.229 --> 00:18:08.833
Equally valid.
00:18:08.833 --> 00:18:10.168
America was founded as a unique christian nation.
00:18:10.168 --> 00:18:13.971
In the new york state supreme court case of the people v.
00:18:13.971 --> 00:18:17.775
Ruggles, chief justice james kent wrote in that case, quote,
00:18:17.775 --> 00:18:21.879
"we are a christian people and the morality of the country is
00:18:21.879 --> 00:18:26.350
Deeply engrafted upon christianity, and not upon the
00:18:26.350 --> 00:18:30.688
Doctrines or worship of those impostors."
00:18:30.688 --> 00:18:34.659
Listen, that is a high court saying every other religion
00:18:34.659 --> 00:18:38.930
Besides christianity is an imposter religion.
00:18:38.930 --> 00:18:43.267
What i'm saying to you tonight is true tolerance allows other
00:18:43.267 --> 00:18:47.238
Religious beliefs, but it also allows the showing of preference
00:18:47.238 --> 00:18:52.276
To other religious beliefs, the belief of christianity.
00:18:52.276 --> 00:18:56.214
Our forefathers did not hesitate to declare that america was
00:18:56.214 --> 00:18:59.884
A christian nation.
00:18:59.884 --> 00:19:01.219
And although again, they championed the right of other
00:19:01.219 --> 00:19:03.321
People to embrace other faiths, they did not demand that
00:19:03.321 --> 00:19:06.857
Government prostrate christianity.
00:19:06.857 --> 00:19:11.529
There is no mandate, ladies and gentlemen, in the constitution
00:19:11.529 --> 00:19:15.066
That requires government to prevent public expressions of
00:19:15.066 --> 00:19:18.436
The christian faith in the public square.
00:19:18.436 --> 00:19:20.805
In fact, as i've demonstrated in the last two examples, the first
00:19:20.805 --> 00:19:25.409
Amendment doesn't even require that government treat all
00:19:25.409 --> 00:19:29.680
Faiths equally.
00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:31.716
You know, you've got high school principals, bless their hearts.
00:19:31.716 --> 00:19:34.118
They say, well, you know, if i allow a christian to pray at
00:19:34.118 --> 00:19:36.520
Graduation, then i have to allow a jew, and then i have to allow
00:19:36.520 --> 00:19:39.123
A hindu, and then i have to allow a muslim.
00:19:39.123 --> 00:19:41.158
No, you don't!
00:19:41.158 --> 00:19:42.860
That's not what the first amendment says.
00:19:42.860 --> 00:19:45.496
It says you don't have to prostrate christianity in the
00:19:45.496 --> 00:19:48.833
Name of other religions.
00:19:48.833 --> 00:19:50.668
A city mayor isn't obligated to balance a nativity scene with a
00:19:50.668 --> 00:19:54.839
Jewish menorah.
00:19:54.839 --> 00:19:56.240
The fact is, true tolerance allows for preferences even in
00:19:56.240 --> 00:20:01.612
The government.
00:20:01.612 --> 00:20:02.947
America has always preferred the christian religion above
00:20:02.947 --> 00:20:07.952
All other impostor religions.
00:20:07.952 --> 00:20:10.354
Doesn't mean we don't allow for the worship of other gods, but
00:20:10.354 --> 00:20:13.324
It doesn't mean that government must be neutral.
00:20:13.324 --> 00:20:16.227
True tolerance allows for preference.
00:20:16.227 --> 00:20:19.030
A few months ago, i was interviewed on the radio by
00:20:19.030 --> 00:20:21.866
Alan colmes, you know, the token liberal at fox news.
00:20:21.866 --> 00:20:26.070
And, boy, he's an interesting guy.
00:20:26.070 --> 00:20:29.106
But, he kind of ambushed me in the interview, because little
00:20:29.106 --> 00:20:33.711
Did i know, he had pulled a string of my comments from
00:20:33.711 --> 00:20:36.447
Different sermons over a period of about 15 years, and he just
00:20:36.447 --> 00:20:40.284
Played them one after another, to show what an intolerant
00:20:40.284 --> 00:20:43.421
Person i was.
00:20:43.421 --> 00:20:44.922
And one of the clips he played was where i showed that we as
00:20:44.922 --> 00:20:47.925
Christians ought to prefer christians to be our leaders.
00:20:47.925 --> 00:20:51.028
And so he said, "so, dr. jeffress, what you're saying is
00:20:51.028 --> 00:20:53.597
You don't want jews, muslims, or hindus running for office.
00:20:53.597 --> 00:20:56.467
You want to keep them out of office."
00:20:56.467 --> 00:20:58.302
I said, "that's not true at all.
00:20:58.302 --> 00:20:59.770
I think anybody has the right to run for public office, without
00:20:59.770 --> 00:21:02.473
Any religious test by the government.
00:21:02.473 --> 00:21:04.141
That's article vi of the constitution.
00:21:04.141 --> 00:21:06.310
But i also have the right to prefer christians over
00:21:06.310 --> 00:21:10.381
Non-christians as our leaders."
00:21:10.381 --> 00:21:12.149
You see that is what true tolerance is.
00:21:12.149 --> 00:21:14.585
True tolerance allows for preferences.
00:21:14.585 --> 00:21:19.390
However, when we demonstrate our preference for life over
00:21:19.390 --> 00:21:24.395
Abortion, for heterosexuality over homosexuality, for
00:21:24.395 --> 00:21:28.899
Christianity over other religions, i do think we need to
00:21:28.899 --> 00:21:33.170
Follow the example of the lord jesus christ.
00:21:33.170 --> 00:21:36.273
You know, jesus was very interesting in the way he
00:21:36.273 --> 00:21:38.476
Presented absolute truth.
00:21:38.476 --> 00:21:40.478
He was very hard in his convictions.
00:21:40.478 --> 00:21:44.248
He was not this common picture of jesus, this caspar
00:21:44.248 --> 00:21:46.851
Milquetoast guy, who, you know, went around the hillsides
00:21:46.851 --> 00:21:49.820
Picking daffodils and eating bird seed.
00:21:49.820 --> 00:21:52.390
That wasn't jesus, okay?
00:21:52.390 --> 00:21:54.125
Jesus was very tough when it came to his beliefs.
00:21:54.125 --> 00:21:57.294
In matthew 10:34, jesus said, "do not think i came to bring
00:21:57.294 --> 00:22:00.431
Peace on the earth.
00:22:00.431 --> 00:22:01.766
I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
00:22:01.766 --> 00:22:04.402
Or mark 9:43, "if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it
00:22:04.402 --> 00:22:08.005
Off; it is better for you to end life crippled, than having your
00:22:08.005 --> 00:22:11.475
Two hands, to go into hell, into unquenchable fire."
00:22:11.475 --> 00:22:14.945
Or luke 15:25, "if anyone comes to me, and does not hate his own
00:22:14.945 --> 00:22:19.683
Father and mother and wife and children and brothers and
00:22:19.683 --> 00:22:22.253
Sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple."
00:22:22.253 --> 00:22:26.624
Now, those are tough comments, aren't they?
00:22:26.624 --> 00:22:28.959
Jesus was tough in his convictions, but he was very
00:22:28.959 --> 00:22:33.063
Soft when it came to people.
00:22:33.063 --> 00:22:34.865
He was tender, he was compassionate.
00:22:34.865 --> 00:22:38.035
He was, what i like to call a velvet covered brick.
00:22:38.035 --> 00:22:42.039
Hard in his convictions, soft with other people who were
00:22:42.039 --> 00:22:45.342
Genuinely searching for god.
00:22:45.342 --> 00:22:47.411
And i believe we're gonna be effective in being salt and
00:22:47.411 --> 00:22:49.747
Light in our culture.
00:22:49.747 --> 00:22:51.115
We have to find that same mix between conviction
00:22:51.115 --> 00:22:54.084
And compassion.
00:22:54.084 --> 00:22:55.553
But hear me tonight, compassion for other people doesn't
00:22:55.553 --> 00:22:59.356
Negate conviction.
00:22:59.356 --> 00:23:01.492
True tolerance not only allows for a strong point of view, it
00:23:01.492 --> 00:23:05.429
Actually demands it.
00:23:05.429 --> 00:23:06.964
True tolerance is based on a genuine concern for
00:23:06.964 --> 00:23:10.201
Other people.
00:23:10.201 --> 00:23:11.535
A genuine concern that says, i respect your right to believe
00:23:11.535 --> 00:23:16.373
What you want to believe, to behave as you wanna behave, but
00:23:16.373 --> 00:23:20.878
I also love you too much to remain silent about it.
00:23:20.878 --> 00:23:25.349
That is true tolerance.
00:23:25.349 --> 00:23:28.052
In his book, "the new absolutes," william watkins
00:23:28.052 --> 00:23:30.387
Writes, "we must violate the new tolerance and become a people
00:23:30.387 --> 00:23:35.392
Marked by intolerance.
00:23:35.392 --> 00:23:37.895
Not an intolerance that unleashes hate upon people, but
00:23:37.895 --> 00:23:41.499
An intolerance that's unwilling to allow error to masquerade
00:23:41.499 --> 00:23:45.436
As truth.
00:23:45.436 --> 00:23:46.770
An intolerance that is willing to call evil, evil
00:23:46.770 --> 00:23:51.275
And good, good.
00:23:51.275 --> 00:23:53.611
Jeffress: there's never been a more urgent moment
00:23:57.648 --> 00:23:59.950
When so much hangs in the balance for our country.
00:23:59.950 --> 00:24:02.953
My hope and prayer is that god would raise up men and women all
00:24:02.953 --> 00:24:06.390
Across america who would become salt and light for him.
00:24:06.390 --> 00:24:10.961
And you can join the movement right now by giving toward the
00:24:10.961 --> 00:24:14.365
$1.5 million in god we trust matching challenge.
00:24:14.365 --> 00:24:19.236
A group of generous friends of "pathway to victory" have made
00:24:19.236 --> 00:24:22.373
It possible for your gift today to be matched and therefore
00:24:22.373 --> 00:24:26.143
Doubled in impact.
00:24:26.143 --> 00:24:28.078
The only hope for our nation is the transforming power of the
00:24:28.078 --> 00:24:32.182
Gospel of jesus christ, and your generosity will help us
00:24:32.182 --> 00:24:35.953
Broadcast god's word across america and around the world.
00:24:35.953 --> 00:24:40.624
Now, please stay right there.
00:24:40.624 --> 00:24:42.526
I'll be back with more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
00:24:42.526 --> 00:24:45.829
Announcer: as our nation celebrates 250 years, do we
00:24:47.631 --> 00:24:51.535
Still remember the faith that built america?
00:24:51.535 --> 00:24:54.672
Dr. robert jeffress has created a beautiful book to make sure
00:24:54.672 --> 00:24:58.208
That we and our families never forget.
00:24:58.208 --> 00:25:00.578
The brand new 250th commemorative edition
00:25:00.578 --> 00:25:03.213
Of "america is a christian nation" is an 88 page, full
00:25:03.213 --> 00:25:07.151
Color, large print coffee table book packed with inspiring
00:25:07.151 --> 00:25:10.688
Stories from our nation's history, breathtaking imagery of
00:25:10.688 --> 00:25:14.124
America, select portraits of our founding fathers, and powerful
00:25:14.124 --> 00:25:18.195
Truth from god's word.
00:25:18.195 --> 00:25:20.097
Jeffress: america was founded on the principles of the
00:25:20.097 --> 00:25:22.633
Judeo-christian faith as revealed in the bible, and our
00:25:22.633 --> 00:25:26.136
Future depends on returning to that biblical foundation.
00:25:26.136 --> 00:25:30.541
Announcer: request the 250th commemorative edition of
00:25:30.541 --> 00:25:33.777
"america is a christian nation" when you give a generous
00:25:33.777 --> 00:25:36.981
Ministry gift to "pathway to victory."
00:25:36.981 --> 00:25:39.717
You'll also receive the "in god we trust" dvd video and mp3
00:25:39.717 --> 00:25:43.887
Format audio disc set featuring two powerful messages from
00:25:43.887 --> 00:25:48.325
Dr. jeffress and 12 patriotic performances by the
00:25:48.325 --> 00:25:51.929
First baptist dallas choir and orchestra.
00:25:51.929 --> 00:25:54.598
And with your ministry gift of $100 or more, we'll also send
00:25:54.598 --> 00:25:58.836
You the complete "america and the bible" teaching series on
00:25:58.836 --> 00:26:02.573
Dvd video and mp3 format audio disc.
00:26:02.573 --> 00:26:06.377
Your gift today will be doubled in impact through the in god we
00:26:06.377 --> 00:26:10.247
Trust matching challenge as together we pierce the darkness
00:26:10.247 --> 00:26:14.284
With the light of god's word.
00:26:14.284 --> 00:26:16.553
Jeffress: don't we live in strange times?
00:26:18.589 --> 00:26:20.791
Those who worship at the shrine of tolerance
00:26:20.791 --> 00:26:23.761
Can't seem to tolerate godly virtues.
00:26:23.761 --> 00:26:26.797
That's why the local church has never been more important.
00:26:26.797 --> 00:26:30.668
When the culture is working to silence biblical truth,
00:26:30.668 --> 00:26:33.904
It falls on god's people to band together and push
00:26:33.904 --> 00:26:37.274
Back against the darkness.
00:26:37.274 --> 00:26:39.710
And next time i'll explain why the preservation
00:26:39.710 --> 00:26:42.146
Of our nation depends on the local church.
00:26:42.146 --> 00:26:45.883
Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in
00:26:45.883 --> 00:26:48.018
Our series, "america and the bible."
00:26:48.018 --> 00:26:52.122
Jeffress: how is it that god is going to be glorified in
00:26:52.189 --> 00:26:55.159
This world?
00:26:55.159 --> 00:26:56.527
It is through the church.
00:26:56.527 --> 00:26:58.729
God's plan to fulfill his mission is through
00:26:58.729 --> 00:27:02.199
Local congregations.
00:27:02.199 --> 00:27:03.567
The church is the visible representation
00:27:03.567 --> 00:27:06.737
Of the body of christ.
00:27:06.737 --> 00:27:08.872
Well, what is the purpose of the church?
00:27:08.872 --> 00:27:11.175
Certainly, the spiritual development of individuals and
00:27:11.175 --> 00:27:13.844
Groups, but it goes beyond that as well.
00:27:13.844 --> 00:27:17.214
Male announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for
00:27:17.214 --> 00:27:19.483
The message "for pastors only," here on "pathway to victory."
00:27:19.483 --> 00:27:19.483

Robert Jeffress - The Most Misunderstood Word In America (Part 2)

June 4, 2026 | 27:29

Closed captions

Share