Praise the Lord that He has seen fit to give us minds capable of independent thought.
Yes, I know that sounds contrary to the theme of the thread. Consider the alternative... that we be automatons incapable of thinking outside narrowly-prescribed constraints. That was (among many) the sin of the Pharisees; Jesus didn't fit in their little "Messiah" boxes. We are all in the process of learning, and aren't able to claim (justifiably) that we "know it all".
The disagreements here can certainly be acrimonious, and I am not above thinking poorly of fellow contributors at times. I think we do well when we take care to distinguish between ideas and the people who hold them. We have no need to insult each other, and there really is little need to be unkind to each other (though what constitutes "kind" is not even unanimous!).
Perhaps we could treat each interaction as though it is with a much-appreciated and valued family member. Feel free to disagree with their position, but remember that they are going to be sitting across from you at supper.
Yes, I know that sounds contrary to the theme of the thread. Consider the alternative... that we be automatons incapable of thinking outside narrowly-prescribed constraints. That was (among many) the sin of the Pharisees; Jesus didn't fit in their little "Messiah" boxes. We are all in the process of learning, and aren't able to claim (justifiably) that we "know it all".
The disagreements here can certainly be acrimonious, and I am not above thinking poorly of fellow contributors at times. I think we do well when we take care to distinguish between ideas and the people who hold them. We have no need to insult each other, and there really is little need to be unkind to each other (though what constitutes "kind" is not even unanimous!).
Perhaps we could treat each interaction as though it is with a much-appreciated and valued family member. Feel free to disagree with their position, but remember that they are going to be sitting across from you at supper.
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