It’s very
important that we do engage in discussion with people who have opposing views. I believe it’s best to do so in a way that is
as non-threatening as possible, but it needs to be done.
Fortunately, I
have been able to have a great many discussions, chats, e-mail exchanges, and
such with people who have very different political, ethical, moral, and/or
religious views from those I hold. The exchanges
I have gotten the most out of are those I’ve had with people I know genuinely
care and have compassion for others.
With that basis, I have an easier time answering questions or responding
to objections than I would with someone I’m not sure at their center really
cares about other people and what’s best for them.
I think it is a
pretty natural tendency for us to want to avoid conflict. We’d rather not have our thoughts and beliefs
tested, especially in a way that seems mostly confrontational or
adversarial. For me, it’s been a good
lesson to remember when I engage others in discussion about controversial
topics.
Am I more likely
to read or listen to what someone has to say if I know that they are
considering my position and addressing my concerns?
Yes, especially if they are doing so in a way
that educates me about various aspects of an issue I might not have considered
or know as much about as they do either on an academic or a personal
level. Am I more likely to react or
respond when someone begins to contradict or attack what I believe? I generally have found that if I’m inclined
to react, then it will be more emotional than if I wait until I’ve cooled down
and come up with a well-thought out response.
What Would Jesus
Do? He’d dine with the sinners, eat with
tax collectors, talk with the woman at the well, and reach out to the
paralytic. There is a very deep
spiritual poverty in our country, as Blessed Mother Teresa observed. If we don’t interact with people who have
different beliefs, it will be a bit harder for the Lord to use us as vessels of
change if, when, where, and with whom He wishes. Wouldn’t you agree?
