How do you react, respond to a point of view different from your own? For that matter, do you even let them finish their sentence before interrupting? Do you feel you have to ‘defend’ your view? Or perhaps you tolerantly let them talk but dismiss their thinking out of hand? (This often happens to young people attempting to express their view.) Do you ever remember how you felt/feel when your opinion was/is not only ignored but ridiculed? The point is that a different point of view needs to be seriously considered.
I would propose that the opposing position be viewed in terms of: what commonalities exist and what aspects differ. A common ground is always a good place to begin a discussion.What parts, if any, of the opposing position match yours. If there are none, then what are the major differences – what components of the other view differ from yours. Those two simple steps can begin a discussion, not argument, that can help determine which should be the prevailing view. And perhaps what will happen is that a third position eventually is accepted.
There is always the possibility that the two views will stand alone and separate. What you may find is that each position has value and can coexist. I’ve always enjoyed the scripture about iron sharpening iron. In the process of discussing the two opposing positions, each will undoubtedly be revised and refined and that’s always a positive outcome.
It would be my contention that truth can always stand up to scrutiny, it is never threatened. I believe that the more you meet what is said with the need to defend your position, the less likely you are convinced of what you say you believe.
