I think as adults we should be able to tame our tongues and talk about issues of the day within the context of available facts and historical context. At least attempting to meet somewhere in the middle and trying to understand WHY folks believe what they do. America’s founders did this in 1776 when drafting the Declaration Of Independence. I think we also have a responsibility to do it. There is truth hidden beneath and between the weeds of personal agenda. We just have to do a little gardening to root it out.
Admittedly I love a good, respectful debate. Therefore when I am “triggered” by a news article or conversation, serious tongue biting occurs. For “it is better to keep one's mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt”, lol. The battle for the winning argument begins and soon the initial topic is lost in an array of thoughts which are no longer even in the same ballpark of discussion. Tempers flare and relationships can be strained. When the dust settles, regret and apologies flow with abundance. Let’s not go there.
“Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it” said writer and philosopher George Santayana. I suggest we learn history for ourselves. Not from a political party (heavens no), at work, our friends, institutions of higher learning, but for ourselves from original source materials.
I conclude with an admission that my ultimate truth is found in 66 books of Holy Scripture. Unchanging and always dependable. Question: Where/ how do you obtain your truth?
Today’s writing exercise was brought to you by a pot of coffee, fresh air, and an overactive mind.
Jim
I really hate to say this, but bullying in school is what drove me to learn to control my tongue.
Re arguing, the passion to "win" an argument can be overwhelming - so much so that the conflict becomes a kind of sport, and the subject becomes a secondary issue. I began to ask myself, how is this activity bringing Glory to God? What is the profit?
I would love to share that pot of coffee with you, Jim. Under an old oak tree shading our discussions. History is my greatest teacher, outside of the indwelling Jesus. It helps me see the good and not-so-good stories of refuters and obedient students of His Holiness. Great article.