Most people are not interested in changing their minds, whatever their present orientation – Jew or Catholic, Democrat or Republican, same sex marriage advocate or anti-abortionist. Whatever the issue, people generally tend to change their minds only when compelled to do so by circumstances, or after a lengthy process of evaluation gradually convinces them of either the necessity, prudence or benefit to be derived from some adjustment in their thinking. Very few people will do so based on argument alone.
So why do we put such emphasis on debate, so much weight upon doctrinal discourse – religious, political or otherwise? Not that these do not have value. I find debates very entertaining, but this stimulates a different part of my brain and being from my conscience – the part of me that is developed by conviction. And that’s the heart and part of me I live from and wish to connect with in others.
I listened to some really good argumentation recently, regurgitating a debate on the provocative subject of Evil. Excellently chosen participants. Great articulation. There were some really good points, as President Trump would say, ‘on both sides’.
But so many people approach debate, as my preacher-friend recently quipped, as porcupines – lots of really sharp points but nobody can get close to you.
(One seriously funny moment was when a member of the audience addressed Deepak Choprah, who had earlier stated, seeking to downplay the importance of beliefs,
“All belief is a cover up of insecurity.” Experience alone is the arbiter of true knowledge.
Questioner: (incredulously) Do you really believe that?
Choprah: (smugly) Absolutely Yes.
Questioner: Thank you!
(Some of you will only get the devastating pun after re-reading about five times.)
Of course beliefs and opinions are important, whether on matters religious, moral. legal, political or any other aspect of human life. But certainly not as important as the soul that accepts /rejects / forms /is aided or impeded by them.
That’s what we tend to forget in heated argument. Like Pharisees we forget that the Sabbath is made for man and not vice versa. The law exists to serve the people and not vice versa. Sound doctrine is only useful if it produces and empowers sound character. We forget God’s priorities, His pearl of great price – the precious souls of men for whom, according to our precious theology, He paid the ultimate price for.
There is a reason we say ‘winning hearts and minds’ in that order. Souls almost always are won in that sequence. So it is positively astounding that so many of us, in Jesus’ precious Name, can conceive that we are serving God by vilifying and demonizing our opponents in doctrine and conviction, or think that by zealous fear-mongering, brow beating, badgering, name calling or through some other form of psychological manipulation, (since naked control is no longer socially acceptable) we may influence for good the souls of men.
Winning hearts is not generally achieved by talk of any kind, which is cheap, no matter how eloquent or persuasive. Entering into the intimacy of our enemies requires the cross – perfect symbol of empathy, self sacrifice, and subdued ego.
He that winneth souls is wise indeed. But there are few wise in the world today, although in our own eyes, we all make Socrates himself a bumbling idiot.
YeKengalé 