From the Editor's Computer
There is a new online discussion forum
that is being promoted through the United Church of Canada called Wondercafe (www.wondercafe.ca). The purpose of this online forum is to
promote and encourage discussion about a variety of topics (including religious
beliefs) in an open and accepting manner.
I found the responses of some of the participants to be quite
interesting.
First...there is a group that
believes they are RIGHT! No ifs, ands or
buts. They seem to feel that the only
way that they can get their point across and change others’ minds
is to keep hammering incessantly the message, “YOU’RE WRONG! YOU’RE WRONG!
YOU’RE WRONG!”
This response has an immediate
effect of totally killing any future conversation.
Secondly, there is another group,
not quite as harsh as the first, but close, who seem to feel that that only way
to dialogue is to quote Bible verses (nothing wrong with that in the right
context) and not venture a single original thought of their own. Again their message is “You’re wrong because
the Bible says…”
Again, their response does nothing
more than stop any progress that could have been made in terms of furthering
the conversation along as they are not really willing to participate or respect
the others views.
Thirdly, there is a group that is
somewhat willing to listen to others’ opinions, but they still think everyone
else is wrong and feel compelled to point that out every once in a while. However they are more polite about it and
thus conversation can continue, and isn’t immediately stifled.
Fourthly, there is a group that is
willing to express their views in a gentle, nonjudgmental manner. They are willing to dialogue with others and
find out why they have a differing view from their own. They are able to share in an enriching
experience of learning something they didn't know. They don’t agree with everything the others
say, but they are open to listening and learning so they can find common
ground.
When you are faced with differing
views from your own...how do you respond?
Do you shut down the lines of communication, or do you gently and
respectfully allow the other person to express their views and be heard?
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
