There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to proper investigation. - Herbert Spencer
I understand entirely. It is emotional and fear inducing to have all you believe and hold to be true challenged. I have this experience every day, and often I fail to observe the proper response to such challenges...
Acknowledge emotions brought to or arising from controversy, else you will/may vent feelings but not state reasons.
...
Make your own assumptions explicit. - Declare your prejudices, your pre-judgements. Good controversy should not be an argument about assumptions.
An attempt at impartiality is a good antidote for the blindness that is almost inevitable in partisanship.
If you have not read a [argument] sympathetically, your disagreement with it is probably more contentious than civil.
Limit yourself to these four criticisms: I understand but I disagree because...
- You are uninformed
- You are misinformed
- You are illogical, your reasoning is not cogent
- Your analysis is incomplete.1
It is sad when a brother or sister in Christ, or myself for that matter, is closed to respectful debate. Especially when the primary reason given for dismissal of the argument is the length of time one or other party has believe a position to be true.
Understanding how pride works in my life I have tried to always allow others the space to believe differently. I post this with reverent fear that I may be wrong.
I rest in the knowledge that G-d, working in the life I have lived, has brought me to this blessed place where I am today - despite my best efforts. I find comfort also in the promise of Ephesians 3:15 -
All of us who are mature should take such a view of things . And if on some point you think differently, that too G-d will make clear to you.
... and this is followed by the admonition of Ephesians 3:16 -
Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Those who are in, or who aspire to be in, the Ministry of our Lord and Saviour, should be wary of pronouncing any condemnation on a brother or sister in the Messiah (Christ). We are not to sit in judgement of another's state of salvation, but we must preach to all who may be unsaved that they may know the road to safety. This, and this alone, is the commission our Saviour has given us. None other.
Footnotes:
- Mortimer J. Adler & Charles Van Doren, How to Read a Book, (Touchstone - Simon & Schuster Inc. 1972) pp 154 - 167
