I think we could start by being graceful, showing grace rather
than sarcasm, being more concerned about loving our neighbor or our
enemy than we are about pointing out errors in what they
believe. I am not suggesting that you adopt their position or
that you compromise what you believe.
I agree with you about the sarcasm Terry -
however the above kind of grace could also be perceived as
"being patronizing" especially since it is not possible to give
anyone a hug or a glass of cold water.
I am saying that if you cannot agree, consider that they are
being sincere even if they are in error, and with that in mind, very
politely ask questions that will help them understand better as well
as help you understand them better.
I don't know how to do that Terry - I think
Izzy is much better at it than me but sometimes her questions
are
misunderstood and she is accused or less than
godly motives. What's wrong with believing the best of
ppl
and questioning and examining
doctrine?
Try to remember that your opinion and three dollars will get you
a whopper at Burger King. Do not over estimate the value of your
contribution to the conversation. You do not have to jump on
every word someone else speaks, and when you do, it simply creates a
situation where everyone digs in their heels and butts heads and
everyone ends up defending their position instead of trying to
understand what the other guy is trying to say.
FWIW in this group I don't believe there can
be a conversation without some butting of heads. What is believing one
thing in the heart and speaking something else out of the mouth called
again? It's either butt heads or be silent.
Jesus, Peter and Paul spoke a great deal about loving
others. They said very little about winning a debate.
For
what it's worth. Terry
I don't know about all that Terry.
Peter and Paul didn't always agree and Paul and Barnabus parted ways
over
John Mark - and these are just the few
instances we know about .... Nothing wrong with honest discussion
so
far as I'm concerned and some communication
is better than
none.
============================================================
Judy
Taylor wrote:
We
are all proudly proclaiming how right we are, but to claim
that we are doing it in love would be a bald faced lie.
The fault does not lie with you alone as I have been as guilty
as anyone, and it is not only the fault of the Fundies as the
Libs can be just as mean spirited as well.
How would you say one is to love over the
internet Terry?
