For many years we’ve been told that we should not discuss politics or religion because these topics tend to be argumentative and too often lead to upsetting one another. Should we really ignore or be complacent about our choices in government or the reality of God’s insights in Scripture?
Our quality of life is highly affected by the beliefs we maintain about God and by our governmental choices. So we ask, are probing discussions about God helpful? Who fully understands anything?
Conversations Not Debates
Probing discussions are sharing conversations between two or more people. In real conversations, we give each other permission to ask questions about issues and are open to adjusting what we believe. Discussions occur when we allow each other to voice views and we consider other insights.
Real discussions take place when we listen and contemplate different views of what is believed to be true and real. When we ask probing questions, we show we are open to consider the perceptions of others and discuss different issues, so everyone’s understanding can improve.
Discussions are not debates where issues are argued. Rather than arguing in efforts to prove who is right, we want to be open to discuss opinions in efforts to discover balancing insight and become more right in our thinking. Clear truth is rarely on one side or the other of an issue.
Unfortunately, we often label governmental issues as ‘politics’ and leave governing policy to the elected officials, who are generally elected because of personality or party affiliation. In the same way, beliefs about God and Scripture are categorized as ‘religion’ and the issues of faith are left to ministers and theologians. Our silence about these issues can be more harmful than beneficial.
We all have an amazing ability to reason and think through ideas, problems, and difficulties of faith and government. Too often we do not ask questions or share insights because we do not want to be argumentative. Instead of being silent, we need to give ourselves permission to discuss issues.
This old saying is true and insightful: “The more you know, the more you realize how little you actually know.” Remember, the beauty of a new beginning, like the dawning day, is to prepare us for the developing brilliance of mid-day. No one is fully mature for the best is always yet to come.
No person is fully mature for the best is always yet to come.
Interactive Discussions
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 know and understand! We need to revive a desire to discuss and make better sense of our differing opinions!
Scripture points out: “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 so we are better informed. Such activity indicates we are open to receiving more light and to allowing our perceptions to be improved, or even enlarged.
Discussions encourage the presence of God to be with us. Jesus said “For where two or three have gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.” (c) As we interact with open minds, we are more able to notice God’s enlightening presence is in our midst to bring clarity and balance. It is in the balance between variances that we experience the “The Prince of Peace.” (d)
Our interactive discussions enable us to function better as the “many membered Body of Christ” in this earth. (e) “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (f) This passage uses the word “you” as a plurality and does not speak of you as an individual.
Many passages in Scripture use the word “you” to address a group. Each of the books of Romans, Corinthians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Galatians are written to groups. It is in our interactions that we are the temple of God. This is how and where God dwells with us, among us, and in our midst.
A few examples of “you” as a plurality can be found here: “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. (g) “The mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations…the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles (Greek ethnos-nations), which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (h)
Discussions can broaden our perspective, deepen our understanding, and assist our maturing development. When we ask questions, it indicates we are open to receiving insight. Rather than staying silent, we need to ask more questions of each other and honestly discuss issues.
Discussions encourage the presence of God to be with us.
Open to Consider
Everyone has the ability to see, receive, and retain information. Much of our absorbing activity happens without our conscious awareness. From the moment we wake until we go to sleep, we constantly process, register, and retain input from both the natural and spiritual features of life.
We absorb and learn from what our five natural and five spiritual senses see, hear, smell, touch and taste. To understand more clearly, we must be open to consider. When we consider, we are more able to absorb and adapt our understanding. When insights are discussed, adjusting clarity comes.
Even while opposing God, our spiritual senses can observe the expressive manifestations of God and hear His voice. (i) He comes to us as enlightening insights, in miraculous events, during quiet moments, in times of worship, as angelic appearances, and as the presence of Jesus.
Our ability to absorb and retain information is affected by how 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 more when we see ‘and’ hear. Yet, more clarity comes as we work it out in activity. (j)
Isn’t it amazing how much discussions can increase our ability to absorb and retain insight? When we see a new insight, it has a more compelling effect when we share it in discussions. How often do we hear a message or read an insight and soon forget it? We need to share our improving insights so they are retained and bring transforming changes in our attitude and behavior.
We should not feel offended or become defensive when someone asks about our perspective on an issue. When we approach our interactions as sharing discussions, we will have fewer arguments. Let’s remember, questions are not about challenging someone’s thinking. We can open discussions by asking questions to illustrate our desire to see and understand more clearly.
Each time we are willing to consider and discuss different perspectives, Christ can arise among us, shed light on our understanding, and facilitate our transformation into more Christ-like people.
When our conversations are sharing discussions rather than arguments, we allow clarity to develop. Instead of countering an expressed thought, we could respond with a “that’s interesting.” Life is richer when we engage in discussions about what God is doing in our lives and this world! We must admit, God is the most sensible of all and we are all His maturing offspring and children. (k)
When our conversations are sharing discussions rather than arguments, we allow clarity to develop.
a) Matthew 7:7-11; b) Romans 11:33;c) Matthew 18:20; d) Isaiah 9:6-7; e) 1 Corinthians 12:13, 18, 27; f) 1 Corinthians 3:16; g) 1 Corinthians 6:19; h) Colossians 1:26-27; i) Ezekiel 37:3-5; j) Philippians 2:12-13; k) Acts 17:28-29
Keith Carroll, “The Relationship Guy”
Relational Gospel Founder
Created To Relate author