Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Would you come and discourse?

In the world of politics, religion, mac vs pc, etc. it seems to me that society is pretty hit or miss on its "open-mindedness." Its funny because we get all riled up when another individual disagrees that your world view isnt the "right" one or that your phone has better apps than the other. To preface this, i disregard the idea of relativity since if someone can be wrong but there is no absolute truth when if there is a wrong answer there is always a right answer. A person may state then it depends on perspective. I believe we all agree murder is wrong, and not murdering is right - therefor its not a matter of perspective. Its a matter of courtesy, respect, and ministry. So what does this have to do with discourse? Everything! Are you willing to come and discourse with people? Honestly respect, listen, and let others speak into your life while you speak into theirs? A bigger question: Are you willing to even think? In the analogy or perspective of a Christian being "attacked" by an individual who disagrees, are you willing to discourse and think - realizing that this "attack" is a facade/wall and begin ministering to another? Likewise would the "attacker" take the time to listen and potentially think, and begin to see that maybe just maybe - this other person is trying to "minister" as best as they can and they legitimately care about you? That they are actually walking about what they believe and not being hypocritical? I use that example because it rarely happens but also because it can be at the times the most hurtful for both sides and thus becomes an even rarer experience because people dont discourse with each other or even broach the concept. I think one of the larger portions of something like this is that we as a group of people are genuinely open to ideas, thoughts, questions, etc. but we are afraid of scenarios of people being super upset and angry. Honestly, its not that bad. I've asked people on ski lifts what they think happens when they die, and it was a wonderful experience and I loved speaking with the random people I was able to. I've asked a elderly local man, and he seemed upset but that was because he was tired of "religious" people coming to his house all the time trying to convert him. I'd be upset too if I had random people who didt legitimately care about me stopping by my house all of the time. Its a terrible bother (I say this with 30% facetiousness). We then talked for 35 minutes about his home, woodworking, and traveling. He may have seemed upset, but he was willing to discourse with me. I would also submit that if you are tired of people knocking on your door, ask them what their story is. What was their childhood like? What brought them to your city? What was their favorite subject in high school? Sadly stuff like this may scare them away because some people just are not ready to have "personal" conversations. If you think this post is "so true! people need to chill out!" then you might be the most guilty of shutting others down. If you think this post is retarded then set that aside and begin to discourse with me in the comments section. If you feel trapped by two options, discourse or no discourse - dont be :)  - There are more than just two options.  

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