There is the preferred public perception that Christians are the intolerant ones and atheists are the unstinting champions of diversity and tolerance. But I guess not in this case? But you’ve given me something to muse on: Do atheists actually believe and practice their own creed of tolerance and diversity, or simply employ the rhetoric?

This is no cooked up story. I really was locked out of booking a hotel room in London! While my dear wife was in the process of booking two nights in a London bed and breakfast for me, the booking was first accepted then rejected. We rechecked the calendar for the days I was booking and it still indicated the proprietor had room vacancies for the days I needed a room. When I sent a query to the inn, I had this amazing reply from the proprietor (I changed her name).

Hi Douglas,

I hope this doesn’t sound too strange but I kind of think of myself as a total atheist…I love my Catholic mother dearly but still manage to fight with her every Christmas with regards to our views on religion…and wouldn’t want to inflict this upon a guest. I hope you understand. I am not in the practice of being ‘selective’ on faith but feel from your profile yours takes a very active part in your day to day life.

Best wishes,

[Elizabeth]

Here was my reply:

Hi [Elizabeth],

I travel a good deal, and this is a first for me. I am a big fan of individual freedom, including the right of a proprietor of an inn to be selective about who she permits to board at her establishment. I do find one thing a bit curious, however. There is the preferred public perception that Christians are the intolerant ones and atheists are the unstinting champions of diversity and tolerance. But I guess not in this case? Perhaps we have this in common: Each of us hold to beliefs that take a very active part in our day to day life–including making decisions like the one you have made, and I enthusiastically support your right to make it. But you’ve given me something to muse on: Do atheists actually believe and practice their own creed of tolerance and diversity, or simply employ the rhetoric? I assure you I have no hard feelings and wish you all the best,

Douglas

Pray with me that God by his gracious and sovereign Spirit will open the eyes of this woman… and that I can find a room for two nights in London before the hymn tour folks arrive!

Douglas Bond, author of some twenty books, lives with his wife and six children in Washington State. This appeared on his blog and is used with permission.