Anger is a dangerous emotion that can lead to harmful speech and actions. It is also destructive to the heart and soul of a human being. It can be as petty as a reaction to our not getting our way or as seemingly noble as a response to injustice. Either way, anger is never an appropriate emotion in any situation. Justice…
People differ, a well-known truth. In dialogue and witness it is good to be aware of this and to observe and learn about the person with whom you are speaking. In no way is such close attention to the other to lead to a patronizing or contemptuous opinion of that person. You may learn about an…
Dialogue may produce the resolution of differences or decrease the differences (It may, in fact, increase differences, but it should never do this, because we have spoken and acted poorly). When we differ with our neighbor or enemy about certain essential things, what then do we say and do? We must live together in peace, if at all possible. The…
Respect for the other in dialogue or debate requires careful listening. But, listening to another does not come easily to anyone. It requires discipline, self-control, and humility. Why humility? This virtue reminds us that we are not the only ones who have something important and beneficial to say. In fact, it teaches us that on some occasions we have nothing…
One must remember when in dialogue with unbelievers that a utopian longing may be present. Christians believe the kingdom of God will become fully realized in the future. It is by God’s power, not by human strength, that all things promised come to fulfillment. For five-hundred years in the West a number of authors have described fulfillment by human power. Thomas…
Humor is appropriate in apologetic dialogue and witness, but there are boundaries to it. I suggest these guidelines: No humor is acceptable that is at the personal expense of the other individual or individuals or is meant to discredit them. It is the world view that needs to be discredited and revised through new insight, not the person. …
Self-control, or temperance, is one of the four cardinal virtues along with courage, prudence and justice that come to us from pagan philosophy. It is found in the list of fruits of the Spirit in Paul’s letter to the Galatians (5: 23). It is a virtue that pertains to keeping the passions and desires under control. …
Uncivil Speech Name-calling (pinhead, jerk, bozo, idiot, moron, stupid, etc.) Attacks on character. Intentional distortion of opponent’s/opponents’ views and argument. Humor directed at the person of the opponent so as to cause shame or embarrassment. Monopolizing the discussion. Sloppy argumentation; attempts at obfuscation in order to win the argument. Return abuse with abuse. Civil Speech Respect…
Title of this article is found in the prologue to Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Two young people who love one another are caught up in the strife between their families, the Capulets and Montagues. These families represent the high level of civil conflict in the city of Verona. We can imagine that a war of…
In his epistle, James warns his readers that not many of them should become teachers, because God judges teachers with greater strictness. He goes on to say that one who does not stumble with his tongue is perfect, for ability to control the tongue means one is able to control his whole body. A small fire…
