I'm interested in some input on something. On my other blog, Infuse, my friend Cory did a post called "Reimagining Evangelism" and then someone left a comment I had some serious problems with. I tried to respond without personally attacking and it went two more comments from there.
So here's my question--How do we respond in situations like this? Situations where there is a disagreement between two believers. If you take the time to look at the comments how would you have responded? I'm not really interested in taking one side or another. Maybe a better question is how would you have responded to me if you took the other guy's position. I'm just trying to think through how these things could be beneficial instead of combative and patronizing.
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8 comments:
When I saw it, I just had to shut it down and not try to think about it or process it. Otherwise I would have probably ripped into him. I hate when it gets nasty and egos get puffed up. I also get worried about other people making it worse, you know?
I do, however, love the interaction and debate that blogs bring. And I'd always welcome that.
I made my comment over on the other blog...
But to answer your question here , I would not try and engage another believer who is clearly not wanting to engage in meaningful dialogue. That individual will always just take his ball and go home if he doesn't get his way. You nor he gain anything by continued dialogue. I thought you handled it very well and moved on nicely.
I on the other hand took a little snipe and a sarcastic rejoinder and then thanked God for the gift of sarcasm.
Without a discussion, and only an argument, is it even something you want to enter into anyway? That seems to go against the idea of evangelism originally presented in the Infuse blog...
Read more... (with a special quiz for trevor at the end to see if he reads.)
Yeah, although I give kudos to everyone for seeming to take a breath and be cool by the end of the comments. The first class of every class I took with Dr. Sanders, he spent time teaching us how to dialogue with people we disagree with. I think everyone (especially Christians) should have this type of education. Also, the note on your problem being with the Bible, not the exegete is ASININE. How are we going to get ANYWHERE if we resort to telling people MY interpretation is the ONLY interpretation. There are only about two things in existence that I HATE more than when people do that. AARRRRRRGGGH.
What up tleaf? Dude...missing you here in beautiful Colorado. I've got about half a cents worth for ya...it's not even two cents!
I guess I felt like Cory was opening the door with this statement, "If nothing else, his resources are a great discussion starter and thought-provoker."
Bill was starting a discussion, albeit in what did seem to be an inflamatory way, but nonetheless, doing what Cory suggested.
I would have replied to his statement clarifying whether he wanted a discussion.
For me, it's awkward to read the blog post and not find Cory interacting since he was the one who posted it.
Dude...Broncos play the Vikings on the final game of the year! Who are you cheering for? Love your show!
I think you, along with everyone else has responded very well. It's obvious that you have 'vastly different understanding of the Christian life, the gospel...etc' I think you are going to have to expect 'debates' through out your journey.
Jim wrote to us in an email saying, "we are not 'creating' something new so much as 'recognizing, affirming, and participating' in something that God is already doing." I don't think everyone is going to understand that, let alone accept that...not right away at least.
~Miss you!
I'm probably too late in commenting for anyone to care now, but I know Dan will have my head if I don't.
I think I pretty much agree with Ryan that the underlying issue is one of hermeneutics (biblical interpretation). That is the watershed issue that manifests itself in lots of different debates.
I'm thankful that things came out well on the other blog. Ultimately I hope we can always work to move past disagreements to unity, even while we still disagree.
hmm...I am quite late in leaving a comment, but Megs told me to check out this blog, so I thought I would leave a comment anyway :-)
I thought that your responses were thoughtful and meaningful. I think it is important to show people the utmost respect, even if we don't feel we are getting that respect. It is really difficult, but I think you did a good job of that.
I think that Bill has a lot of knowledge on the topic, and he was "right" about much of what he said. However, I think that he gravely misinterpreted Corey's blog and your comments as being an attack on what he believed. I think that your idea of ministry and Bill's idea of ministry are branches of the same tree. I think it is important to remember that "we are all in this together" and that we all have the same goals in mind—to help bring others to engage with their Creator and Savior.
When talking to other Christians (or anyone at all really), no matter how hard it is, it is important to make sure we are doing more good than harm in our discussions. To be as “iron sharpening iron”. And do them in a kind and loving way. I have a really difficult time doing this, and could relate with Bill in his apology--coming across as confrontational when we let our passion become destructive.
So, Trevor, I wanted to say that I think that you showed a lot of grace in your comments while also presenting an honest view of what God is doing in your heart in regards to ministry. I must say that I wish that I could have known you better while you were here, because I hear more and more about you (I bet you’d never guess who from ) and am truly amazed by your character! I think of you and your family often! I hope all is well! God bless!
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