Cheryl

Here is a really good quote from an article titled “Theological disagreement and the emerging church”

My son pointed me to this article and I think it is good article detailing how we need to be careful to understand the other’s viewpoint. I needed to read this one for myself because I too am human.  My intention is to properly represent the opposing side while I carefully and thoughtfully express my viewpoint.
Here is the quote:

Understanding the other calls for imagination, because we have to provisionally assume the other may be correct – or at least partially correct – if we are to truly listen. We may have to hold our convictions in abeyance as we hypothetically consider the position of the other.

Coming to agreement requires confidence, because our self-worth cannot rest on our being merely right.

Finding Christ’s mind demands humility, because we don’t like changing our minds and acknowledging that the other has a good point. Our certainty is such a warm comforting blanket that we hesitate to toss aside.

What’s needed most of all is love – love for the other, love for God, and love for the truth – the three in balance.

But it’s hard. In fact, these kinds of conversations are so difficult that often the only way that we can even begin is by crying out to God that His Spirit would empower us to proceed.

God help us.