The Spiritual Discipline of Conversation Continued

I had blogged previously about conversation and the benefit I thought it could bring to the exchange of ideas in the Christian market, and I wanted to share some follow up.

Here is a thought from Brian McLaren in the book he co-authored with Tony Campolo called Adventures in Missing the Point. He is talking about the Bible, and how we can perhaps change the ways in which we relate to it. He offers 10 suggestions on how to "reclaim the Bible for contemporary readers, so we don't miss the point." Here is what he says:

So how about a Bible study or sermon that is successful not because everyone agrees on the preacher's interpretation, but because, when the sermon is over, everyone can't wait to talk about it and read and ponder and discuss it more, because they have become intrigued and mystified and enthralled? How about a congregation who may not have "captured the meaning" of the text, but a text that captured the imagination and curiosity of the congregation?

pg 84

This is the type of communication that encourages and starts conversation. Truth is seldom simple, and it often needs to be talked about and wrestled with before it is owned. This is a major way that we learn; through conversation.

Another author, scholar and professor Scot McKnight, says this in his book Embracing Grace:

It is my conviction that God designed the gospel to be a source of communion for all Christians and not a source of division among them. But this communion can emerge only if we respect one another enough to listen to what the other is saying, and if we go back to the Bible together to see what the gospel really is.

pg xiii

As I said before, one of the keys to this practice is listening. I will mention 2 others.

Respect. Without respect as an under girding agreement between the parties, it is no conversation (at least no healthy conversation) and the communication is doomed to fail. This does not mean that parties must be ever stoic. On the contrary. Passion, excitement, anger, humor etc., these may all be involved in this type of conversation, but they need not usurp the respect. If simple, common practices like not interrupting, not calling the other person names, looking for the others point rather than twisting their words, etc. are in place, they can all help maintain a level of respect. I feel like this is first grade material. I don't mean to insult your maturity or intelligence, but you would be surprised how many conversations don't follow these simple rules.

Thinking Gray. Steven B. Sample, in his book The Contrarians Guide to Leadership, advocates a practice he calls thinking gray. "The essence of thinking gray is this," he says, "don't form an opinion about an important matter until you've heard all the relevant facts and arguments." pg 8 This is an important tactic in conversation. So often do people make snap judgements. Wise decisions, however, come from listening to all the info and not assuming you know exactly what the other is going to say or the totality of what they believe.

May we continue to become good at conversing in a respectful manner, and may we honor God in our quest for greater learning.