I agree that "the powers that be" or as James Corbett likes to say, "the powers that should not be" are not looking for debate or discussion. The things is, the nebulous "they" that serve the princes and powers of the air are not generally the people we meet in our day to day lives. Many are lost and subject to the programming that they are provided, but a little empathy and curiosity goes a long way. Communication is a 2-way street. Hearing someone out helps us understand the specific biases and narratives that they are operating under. It also helps us see our own and helps us find common ground.
Most people today have not learned about how to formulate arguments or reason effectively, watching for logical fallacies and inconsistent premises and conclusions. Sometimes gently using the Socratic Method of asking questions can help people come to the realization that narratives they have subscribed to are incoherent. A large portion of the population will not want to know or have genuine discussions. When I come in contact with someone who is unable or unwilling to converse openly about a topic, I move on. I treat them with dignity and try and just live my own convictions. There will be many who are not interested in the truth if it upsets the comfortable world they live in. I am reminded of a verse.
Matthew 7:13-14 says,
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many."
Good thoughts to ponder. Ridicule, anger, scorn… do not win people over or convince them or open their minds to a different perspective. Verbal attacks harden them in their own view and probably discourage them from considering anything that was said.
I’m trying to find courage to bring up the most important topic to me with people I know and come across. With the things going on in the world, time might be short. Some say a good way to start a conversation is with a question: what do you believe about God (or the Bible or how people can be right with God…)? There are always plenty of trivial things to talk about. I hope to steer conversations toward things that really matter the most.
It’s definitely not the easiest thing to do. I hope you find opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas. I see so many people who are so lonely in their personal lives. I’m always amazed by how grateful they are for any genuine curiosity about them. Our culture has changed so much since the advent of the internet and relationships are often superficial. I’ve always appreciated Stephen Covey’s advice, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood”. Have a great day. Thank you for reading.
Discourse, debate, conversation... these are means of communication. Mostly they are verbal or written.
But communication is a 2-way street.
I might listen to your point but then refuse to respond in kind.
I agree there's not much point to verbal attacks. This is partly because people aren't taught how to argue a point effectively.
But there's another problem. The powers that be don't use verbal or written means of communication. They use force through violence and theft.
That's their language.
That's the only thing they understand.
Reason is my preferred method of communication. I'm a fan of finding win-wins.
That only works if the other person is also attempting to communicate through reason, if they are receptive to it.
Most people aren't even trying to communicate. They're trying to brute force control you. They are seeking a win-lose situation.
I agree that "the powers that be" or as James Corbett likes to say, "the powers that should not be" are not looking for debate or discussion. The things is, the nebulous "they" that serve the princes and powers of the air are not generally the people we meet in our day to day lives. Many are lost and subject to the programming that they are provided, but a little empathy and curiosity goes a long way. Communication is a 2-way street. Hearing someone out helps us understand the specific biases and narratives that they are operating under. It also helps us see our own and helps us find common ground.
Most people today have not learned about how to formulate arguments or reason effectively, watching for logical fallacies and inconsistent premises and conclusions. Sometimes gently using the Socratic Method of asking questions can help people come to the realization that narratives they have subscribed to are incoherent. A large portion of the population will not want to know or have genuine discussions. When I come in contact with someone who is unable or unwilling to converse openly about a topic, I move on. I treat them with dignity and try and just live my own convictions. There will be many who are not interested in the truth if it upsets the comfortable world they live in. I am reminded of a verse.
Matthew 7:13-14 says,
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many."
Have a blessed day
Good thoughts to ponder. Ridicule, anger, scorn… do not win people over or convince them or open their minds to a different perspective. Verbal attacks harden them in their own view and probably discourage them from considering anything that was said.
I’m trying to find courage to bring up the most important topic to me with people I know and come across. With the things going on in the world, time might be short. Some say a good way to start a conversation is with a question: what do you believe about God (or the Bible or how people can be right with God…)? There are always plenty of trivial things to talk about. I hope to steer conversations toward things that really matter the most.
It’s definitely not the easiest thing to do. I hope you find opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas. I see so many people who are so lonely in their personal lives. I’m always amazed by how grateful they are for any genuine curiosity about them. Our culture has changed so much since the advent of the internet and relationships are often superficial. I’ve always appreciated Stephen Covey’s advice, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood”. Have a great day. Thank you for reading.