I don't particularly like to argue.
I do, however, yearn to engage in meaningful, rational discussions that have opposing points of view. I don't think I am too proud to admit to myself when I need to change my point of view, so such discussions are rewarding to me because either (1) I'm right or (2) I will have the reasoning ammo to be right in the future.
So, while all who I know that follow this blog probably agree with me 99% of the time, I am exceedingly hopeful to engage a dissenter, that I might convince or become convinced of a necessary change in reason or paradigm.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Fight's On
Posted by Theo at 10:52 AM
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9 comments:
elizabeth?
Not sure that E is looking for a fight?
Scott,
What you wrote probably has a context, that I completely missed. But just commenting on your point about why it is good to debate, I once read a letter by George MacDonald that challenged my previous thinking. He was writing to a friend who kept trying to drag him into a discussion about Calvinism. MacDonald said something to the effect of, "I have an opinion, and this opinion matters a great deal to me; however, you will believe what you want to believe." He also said real truth is manifested by how people live, not what they think. When reading the letter, I got the idea that MacDonald placed a higher value on his relationship with the man than on the theological point the guy wanted to debate.
Paul said something like this in 1 Cor 2:5 when he said, "that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."
Years ago I heard Gayle's uncle say that people will argue their opinions, but they simply live out their convictions.
...Since you were asking for an opposing viewpoint ;)
I appreciate everyone's comments.
Brother, I especially appreciate yours, you are a very wise man. I hope you keep following and commenting on my brain barf blog.
I love candid discussion. It bugs me when I avoid discussing sensitive subjects with friends and acquaintances simply because we disagree on those subjects (by the way, I think our avoidance of conflict is an American cultural norm, and therefore all the more reason to confront it). I would rather get in there and wring out the issues, and be good enough friends to understand that we are only discussing our different perspectives, not drastically ending our friendship. As iron sharpens iron...
I agree with all (except the wise brother comment.) As you know, I am intrigued by differences based on personality. Most of us tend to value either truth (thinkers) or compassion (feelers). The idea in scripture is that they are not mutually exclusive. For example, Eph 4:15 "...speaking the truth, in love...", and Pro 3:3, "Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Bind them around your neck ...". For years, I thought they were like two pendants on a necklace, and we are to wear both. Lately, I have been wondering if they are different facets to the same pendant. I.e., true love calls for us to be completely honest with people; and if we see real Truth (with a capital 'T'), we will see how valuable others are.
I've been chatty lately because we have internet connectivity here at Marcie's. Tomorrow a.m. I head back to Italy, where I will once again fall off of the world of the connected. Love you lots.
oh - i didn't mean it as a fight... just as someone who might have a differing opinion. that's all...
Wow... I think I'll stand by and learn something...
Elizabeth, where are you???
Pertaining to this discussion, recently Romans 12:18 sprung into my head: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
I thought perhaps I should abandon attempts to engage in discussions with diametrically opposing viewpoints. However, when I read Romans 12 in its entirety, my soul sang. This piece of God's word is so relational . Our interaction is the means by which the body of Christ functions. By no means should I sublimate my opinion, but share as conditions permit, guided by Love.
I like the thought of kindness and truth being a braid, one that could easily unravel if not bound by love. As individual pendants, one or the other could be taken off. Our commitment to both kindness and truth in our manner towards others seems [to me] to be of God.
Amen
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