Friday 17 November 2006

November 17, 2006 Chautauqua

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


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