Theological Discussion Is a Dialogue

Theological discussion requires dialogue.  This sentence in some sense seems not worth stating or writing about.  Discussion is dialogue by definition.

Too often, however, our sinful condition turns theological discussion [or discussion of any kind] into multiple monologues which alternate.

Any discussion of theology requires listening.  If we cannot listen we cannot discuss.  We can of course state our own views without listening.  Even if our views are entirely right we have not really discussed anything if we have not listened.

Really good discussion takes time.  Too often we find it expedient to not spend time to actually listen and understand.  Of course any time saved in this way tends to be wasted time  because it leads to unnecessary misunderstanding and later issues.

At times I believe that theological discussions are rushed for lack of time.  They would be better served to be tabled until there is actually time to discuss the matters at hand.

Dialogue always involves speaking to others, not at others.  Christian dialogue should be characterized by love.  Love  requires special concern about others and we cannot dialogue in love without listening and understanding.

A Selective Biblicism

Often we see a selective use of the bible in churches or Christian's lives. I had experiences with a Christian which caused me to end our relationship.

His response to me was that we should follow the teaching of God and work things out and reconcile. He went on to tell me how I was completely in the wrong on all points and that I needed to accept that everything between us was my fault.

The spirit of the response was in fact the entire reason the relationship had ended. There was no working through things between us. He was always right and I was always wrong (in his view).

The issue aside there is a spirit of biblical principle which is being selectively used. We can of course work things out in the spirit of God seeking understanding and dialogue but we cannot work things out if the person "seeking dialogue" and "reconciliation" is really simply looking to get our way.

It is often like this in life that we find people adopt or reject parts of scripture as it suits them. Scripture is often inconvenient. Living in love and seeking dialogue takes time. True biblical living requires us at times to question ourselves and our motives. It takes time to live out our faith.

God knows that we have failed and will fail and loves us anyway. It is Jesus' perfect life that God counts as our holiness.

Christian Debate

Debate is only useful when both parties in the debate seek truth. Too often in debate the involved parties are not in dialogue but rather just jabbing at each other.

True debate requires understanding the position of the person you are debating with. I often have found myself among like minded people telling them they are not fair in their criticisms of other positions.

It is often that we will not agree with a position, but most frequently most of the criticisms of positions we hear are unfair and frankly untrue. In the current day we cut corners in debate. It is easier to throw mud than to do the hard work of explaining why an opposing position is wrong. Why this is important is that we are called to be people of love.

If we wish to live out our faith we need to enter debates in a spirit of love. Sometimes it may mean respectfully leaving a debate where people are more interested in mudslinging than truth.

Always as Christians we should be mindful that how we debate is as important as what we say when we debate. I believe a respectful tone of debate is not only Christian but also enhances our message.

Theological Virtue (poem)

To understand first.
To listen with charity.
To critique only when we have understood.
To take the time to do dialogue.
Or to have the patience to not speak at all.