In recent years, especially in the presidential elections, conflicts have created many extraordinary issues of wide debate. It seems as though people are very touchy and reactive today. Yet, I believe that there were missed opportunities to peacefully express a positive witness for Christ. Today, I want to attempt to address how we can bridge healthy conversation that reaches across the great chasm of division and extreme hostility.
I have been there when someone I am trying to witness to states a position on a topic that I am on the polar opposite of that view. In those times, I have had to translate the political view into a value that I may agree with in order to find a common ground for discussion. In this case I attempt to uncover a value that I can agree with to deepen the conversation and find room for a healthy discussion.
For example, someone may state a strong view on the topic of immigration that I may disagree with. The shared value that I may find common ground may be on safety or family concerns or even border control. I might ask, why is this a concern for you? How does this impact you personally?
As I find a safe zone to discuss and share a similar concerns I can engage discussion without coming across judgmental or angry. As a Christian we ought to have views that are both biblical and healthy on politically divided topics. A moral position is important otherwise our faith doesn’t mean much.
I find that there are two primary ways that we can have a positive witness while talking g about politics. It is likely that it will require a great deal of discipline and openness without changing your testimony or political position. I’m not talking about having to make compromises but rather encouraging developing "talking-points" through tolerance that stays focused on building a positive relationship.
I’ve heard it said that the word politics derives its meaning from two Latin expressions. Poli - meaning many and tics meaning ticking people off. All kidding aside, it seems as though Christians especially have trouble debating the topics and sharing a positive witness. We either come across too intolerant and angry or setting aside our convictions and even avoiding the discussion altogether. The word apologetics is a way to explain the truth of your position while also encouraging intellectual and honest debate.
I find that there are two primary ways that we can have a positive witness while talking g about politics. It is likely that it will require a great deal of discipline and openness without changing your testimony or political position. I’m not talking about having to make compromises but rather encouraging developing "talking-points" through tolerance that stays focused on building a positive relationship.
I’ve heard it said that the word politics derives its meaning from two Latin expressions. Poli - meaning many and tics meaning ticking people off. All kidding aside, it seems as though Christians especially have trouble debating the topics and sharing a positive witness. We either come across too intolerant and angry or setting aside our convictions and even avoiding the discussion altogether. The word apologetics is a way to explain the truth of your position while also encouraging intellectual and honest debate.
My two points:
1. Listen First (And Learn To Ask Good Questions).
Learn to ask good questions. Attempting to understand a person’s beliefs system is complex but as you ask good questions you discover the back-story of why someone holds to their views. You might even find that deep within a person’s believe structure are hidden gems that bring value to the relationship you are attempting to develop.
What I’m encouraging is the art of active listening. Often we formulate answers before fully developing an understanding of a person’s viewpoint. Likely this causes a great deal of conflict right away because we draw upon certain assumptions without fully developing our understanding.
1. Listen First (And Learn To Ask Good Questions).
Learn to ask good questions. Attempting to understand a person’s beliefs system is complex but as you ask good questions you discover the back-story of why someone holds to their views. You might even find that deep within a person’s believe structure are hidden gems that bring value to the relationship you are attempting to develop.
What I’m encouraging is the art of active listening. Often we formulate answers before fully developing an understanding of a person’s viewpoint. Likely this causes a great deal of conflict right away because we draw upon certain assumptions without fully developing our understanding.
Active listening means setting aside our personal agenda in hopes to gain an opportunity to fully explore and express your viewpoint. This takes time. Nothing is solved quickly. In fact, you’re not going to solve every world crisis but you will gain a friend if done well.
You don’t have to win every argument. In fact, you don’t have to win any.
Often we find ourselves thinking that in order to be a positive witness we have to win over a person from their viewpoints or even winning debates as we hold to our own strong viewpoints. In fact, it’s just the opposite. As we come across in a disarming manner we actually will gain opportunities to further our discussion about Christ. Too often we want to express our views but I want to encourage you to set aside your viewpoint, at least temporarily. That may even mean being more selective on what you promote and push over social media.
Every good relationship reciprocates and if you are having a healthy dialogue and ask good questions it is very likely that you will have a reciprocating opportunity to express your viewpoints. You will have your time to shine and share your viewpoint. In fact, it may you how receptive others can be.
Let me offer at least one caution. Do not put yourself in a corner having to defend a viewpoint that likely doesn’t matter in the overall context of your witness. Too often we create conflict by either answering too quickly or forming a rigid response. Be disciplined in your listening and ask questions that clarify as well as guide the conversations.
Here are a few questions you may consider asking:
Can you clarify your position in that topic?
How did you come to that position on the topic?
What lead you to take this position on this topic?
Who has influenced you most in life?
How does your viewpoint help inform your position on other topics?
What are a few opposing viewpoints on your position on the topic?
2. Focus on Values (And Learn To Look For Needs).
Over the years I have found that as you focus on values you can gain greater opportunity to engage in healthy interactions. We all have similar value structures that include family, faith, and friends. We all have needs that are similar and by including values in your discussion you can eventually discover ways to deepen the opportunity to talk about Christ and Christian values. Many times we get stuck on topics and repeat the rhetoric we have heard from others including your favorite news cycle.
You must always remember that you’re looking to gain a friend not a political adversary. It’s more important for you to identify the needs of others in order to introduce Christ.
Every organization sets up a set of values that serve to guide the mission. It is through an accepted set of values that help keep people on track to ideas they hold up as important. You may even have defined set of family values that guide your children and help others to understand what drives you.
Values are guided by needs. We should place value on people, not property. We should place value on family, not fortunes. We should place value on faith, not fables. These are generally similar to the values of most. Even those that have these backwards we can find out that fear is what often drives people.
Some values may include love, liberty, and life. You may find that you have things in common. This is the start of being able to weave your faith journey into the discussion. If you are with things you disagree about you cannot develop the opportunity to represent Christ. If you start with ideas (as broad strokes) you can enter into a relationship that is enriching.
This becomes an open door to leading people to a discussion about what Christ values. In the book Tribal Leadership you learn that be are all wired around similar motivations that can be the formula for engaging conversations around spiritual matters.
Let me offer at least one caution. Do not put yourself in a corner having to defend a viewpoint that likely doesn’t matter in the overall context of your witness. Too often we create conflict by either answering too quickly or forming a rigid response. Be disciplined in your listening and ask questions that clarify as well as guide the conversations.
Here are a few questions you may consider asking:
Can you clarify your position in that topic?
How did you come to that position on the topic?
What lead you to take this position on this topic?
Who has influenced you most in life?
How does your viewpoint help inform your position on other topics?
What are a few opposing viewpoints on your position on the topic?
2. Focus on Values (And Learn To Look For Needs).
Over the years I have found that as you focus on values you can gain greater opportunity to engage in healthy interactions. We all have similar value structures that include family, faith, and friends. We all have needs that are similar and by including values in your discussion you can eventually discover ways to deepen the opportunity to talk about Christ and Christian values. Many times we get stuck on topics and repeat the rhetoric we have heard from others including your favorite news cycle.
You must always remember that you’re looking to gain a friend not a political adversary. It’s more important for you to identify the needs of others in order to introduce Christ.
Every organization sets up a set of values that serve to guide the mission. It is through an accepted set of values that help keep people on track to ideas they hold up as important. You may even have defined set of family values that guide your children and help others to understand what drives you.
Values are guided by needs. We should place value on people, not property. We should place value on family, not fortunes. We should place value on faith, not fables. These are generally similar to the values of most. Even those that have these backwards we can find out that fear is what often drives people.
Some values may include love, liberty, and life. You may find that you have things in common. This is the start of being able to weave your faith journey into the discussion. If you are with things you disagree about you cannot develop the opportunity to represent Christ. If you start with ideas (as broad strokes) you can enter into a relationship that is enriching.
This becomes an open door to leading people to a discussion about what Christ values. In the book Tribal Leadership you learn that be are all wired around similar motivations that can be the formula for engaging conversations around spiritual matters.
The book on values offers 5-stages of Tribal Leadership that helps companies and individuals determine the kind of agreeable values that can guide your discussion. Author David Logan describes how each stage can either bring people together to create points of separation or shared values. He states that there are five stages. He says, "At Stage Three, the focus is "my" values. At Four, it’s "our" values. At Five, it’s "global"--or "resonant"--values, so the only important factor is that values can work together."
As you identify values that bring the conversation in harmony with like-minded values, you can deepen the opportunity to address topics you might find challenging. You can find openings to relate your faith journey in the conversation.
We need to put people before ideas and opinions. Never do you want to compromise Truth. Using wisdom when you confront unhealthy ideas or harmful ideology.
As you listen, by asking good questions and define similar values that guide your relationship, you can weave your faith values into the discussion. It may take time to further this kind of relationship but it is an investment you cannot afford to make. Try it, you may even discover that, as you pray about your conversation, that you will have greater opportunity to share your witness of Christ.
As you identify values that bring the conversation in harmony with like-minded values, you can deepen the opportunity to address topics you might find challenging. You can find openings to relate your faith journey in the conversation.
We need to put people before ideas and opinions. Never do you want to compromise Truth. Using wisdom when you confront unhealthy ideas or harmful ideology.
"...Tribal Leader’s set of concerns: a love for people, empathy for their problems, and putting the institution before ego."In conclusion, while the political topics seem to create a frenzy of extreme social positions, it is still possible to represent a positive Christian faith and be a good witness for Christ.
Excerpt From Tribal Leadership, Dave Logan, John King & Halee Fischer-wright
https://books.apple.com/us/book/tribal-leadership/id360609881
This material may be protected by copyright.
As you listen, by asking good questions and define similar values that guide your relationship, you can weave your faith values into the discussion. It may take time to further this kind of relationship but it is an investment you cannot afford to make. Try it, you may even discover that, as you pray about your conversation, that you will have greater opportunity to share your witness of Christ.
It is always a good to be in prayer as you interact with people.
The Bible encourages us to pray for and love our neighbors and be people if grace. How can we do any less for others since God’s love was extended to us through His incredible grace?!
