Great point. I just published an article “The deep end” on faith where I try to do this. I hope that I succeed to the stubborn readers but I am still gaining my voice on substack.
I hadn’t heard it described this way before, but I do enjoy “putting stones in shoes” when I talk to folks. I’ve often found that people with weird spiritual beliefs have never really been challenged or followed some of the questions logically, so I’ve found it creates fruitful discussions if I can ask questions that make them think more deeply about what they believe.
As an example, someone once told me she worships the Greek gods, and that human worship gives the gods power. I asked her whether the gods existed or were completely powerless before humanity emerged (since she also believed in evolution). She’d never thought of that question, and it really made her sit back and think for a while!
“the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2 Tim. 2:24-26)
And,
“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (Prov. 17:18)
What a great article! Thank you! The extended excerpt from Dionysius and your exoskeleton was super helpful. I was also struck by his comment about being honestly willing to change our opinion if convinced, and trusting to the Holy Spirit of Truth.
Great point. I just published an article “The deep end” on faith where I try to do this. I hope that I succeed to the stubborn readers but I am still gaining my voice on substack.
I hadn’t heard it described this way before, but I do enjoy “putting stones in shoes” when I talk to folks. I’ve often found that people with weird spiritual beliefs have never really been challenged or followed some of the questions logically, so I’ve found it creates fruitful discussions if I can ask questions that make them think more deeply about what they believe.
As an example, someone once told me she worships the Greek gods, and that human worship gives the gods power. I asked her whether the gods existed or were completely powerless before humanity emerged (since she also believed in evolution). She’d never thought of that question, and it really made her sit back and think for a while!
You’d enjoy Tactics. I promise. Well placed questions are the best.
In other words,
“the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2 Tim. 2:24-26)
And,
“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (Prov. 17:18)
Pretty much.
Best article i have read in a while! Thank you!🙏🏻
great information, stones in the shoe and a nod to one of our first music theorists!
Logic, patience, method, charity, patience combined for objective Truth
What a great article! Thank you! The extended excerpt from Dionysius and your exoskeleton was super helpful. I was also struck by his comment about being honestly willing to change our opinion if convinced, and trusting to the Holy Spirit of Truth.
Your *exegesis was super helpful (my autocorrect, not so much - except to make me laugh)
Tactics is so good!!
Mandatory Christian reading.