For many years we’ve been told to not discuss religion or politics because these topics are too argumentative. Why can’t we talk about our different opinions of government and properly consider the reality of God and what we see in Scripture without demoralizing one another? After all, who among us fully understands anything?
Real discussions take place when we listen and contemplate different views of what is believed to be true and real. When we are open to consider the perceptions of others in conversation, everyone’s understanding can improve. So, are probing discussions about God helpful?
Discussions vs. Debates
Unfortunately, we often label government issues as ‘politics’ and we leave governing policy to elected officials who are generally elected because of party affiliation or personality. Likewise, beliefs about God and Scripture are categorized as ‘religion’ and issues of faith are left to theologians. Too often we are silent about issues that are more harmful than good.
Discussions are not debates where issues are argued. Rather than arguing in an effort to prove what contrasting position is right, we should seek to discover balancing insights. Truth is rarely on one side or the other of an issue but in a balance somewhere between the variances.
We all have an amazing ability to reason and think through ideas, problems, and difficulties of faith and government. Too often, our conversations where we share different insights are avoided because they tend to become argumentative or offensive. So, we chose to simply believe, or not.
Probing discussions are conversations between two or more people sharing insights. Discussions can only happen when we are willing to consider new or revising insight. In real discussions, we give ourselves permission to think and question views and are open to adjusting what we believe.
Remember, the beauty of a dawning new day is to prepare us for the developing brilliance of the mid-day. Beginnings are not finishes, the best is “always yet to come.” An old saying is really true and insightful: The more you know, the more you realize how little you actually know.
The more you know, the more you realize how little you actually know.
Seek and Knock
Jesus instructed us to “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (a) [see end-notes for scripture] Why? Because there is always more to understand! Our desire to discuss and make sense of differences needs to be revived. We need more discussions!
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! (b)
While the full nature of God and His ways among us are beyond anyone’s ability to “fully” understand, we should always be seeking and knocking. This indicates we are open to receiving greater light and allowing our perceptions to be improved and enlarged.
Jesus said “For where two or three have gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.” (c) When we interact with questions and an open mind, Jesus said he would be in our midst sharing insight. Discussions allow the presence of God to be with us as a clarifying balancer.
Our interactive discussions are opportunities for 
us to function as the “many membered Body of Christ” in this earth. (d) As God dwells with us, among us, and in our midst, we also function as the temple of God: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (e) The word ‘you’ in the above passage refers to a plurality. A collective you.
This is so with many passages that are written to groups of believers; the Romans, Corinthians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Galatians. Examples are: “The Spirit of God dwells in you,” (f) “Your body is the temple of God,” (g) and “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (h) The word “you” in these passages addresses a collective you.
Discussions can broaden our perspective, deepen understanding, and improve levels of maturity. When we ask questions, we indicate we are open to receiving insight and discussions can occur.
We should always be seeking and knocking.
Absorb, Retain, Express
We all have the ability to see, receive, and retain information. From the moment we wake until we go to sleep, we are constantly processing, registering and retaining input from both the natural and spiritual side of life. Much of this activity happens automatically.
We absorb and learn from what our five senses: see, hear, smell, touch and taste. To see more clearly, we must be open to consider such. Once we consider, we are able to begin to absorb and adapt our own. When we talk about new insight, a balancing clarity can settle in and we adjust.
Our ability to absorb and retain information is affected by what means we receive it and then discuss it. Scientific research has determined that we retain 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we see and hear, 70% of what we discuss, and 90% of what we do. We retain much when we see and hear, yet graphically more when we discuss it.
Isn’t it amazing just how much discussions can increase our ability to absorb and retain insight? While we may agree that a new insight makes good sense, it will have little effect on us if it is not received and talked about. We need to share our improving insights by discussing them.
Do we feel offended and become defensive when someone asks questions about our perspective? When we approach our conversations about God and His ways as sharing discussions, we will have fewer arguments. Let’s remember, a question expresses a desire to know and see more clearly rather than challenging another’s thinking.
Each time we are willing to consider different perspectives, Christ can arise among us, shed light on our understanding, and facilitate our transformation into more Christ-like people. Such interactions allow everyone to ask questions and discern solutions they can adapt.
Discussions are sharing conversations that allow clarity to develop and help us make more sense of this life. After-all, we must admit God is the most sensible of all. Life is richer when we engage in discussions about what God is doing in our lives!
Life is richer when we engage in discussions about what God is doing in our lives!
a) Matthew 7:7-11; b) Romans 11:33; c) Matthew 18:20; d) 1 Corinthians 12:13, 18, 27; e) 1 Corinthians 3:16; f) 1 Corinthians 3:16; g) 1 Corinthians 6:19; h) Colossians 1:27
Keith Carroll, “The Relationship Guy”
Relational Gospel Founder
Created To Relate author