Presenting (a talk)
12.07.08 (10:54 am) [edit] |  | |
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Presenting
I would think one of the most frustrating pastimes, or occupations, is one that deals with trying to explain ones thoughts or beliefs to others. We each have a certain mind set, which in turn will dictate how we will interrupt what others tell us, which is precisely what causes so much misunderstanding, anger and in the end suffering for many.
What are these mind sets? Well even among Christians problems can arise that can cause friction and deep misunderstanding, in ways often almost impossible to overcome. There are Catholics who have a certain understanding of the scriptures as well as tradition, which is not shared with those of a more fundamentalist bent. Also evangelicals, while I feel they fall in the middle of the two former mind sets, can also have trouble communicating; both with Catholics and fundamentalist. So even though good will can be present on all sides, a lot of bridges have to be built, as well as study. Our beliefs can be a two edge sword, since it comes with its own language, and not only that but a very specific interpretation that is not shared by others who may have much in common, yet their will be differences. Just the understanding of what actually “tradition” means, can perhaps show some light on the difficulties present.
So if Christians, who follow the same Lord and use the same scriptures have trouble understanding each other, think of what happens when it could be someone from a mind set that is opposed to ones own. I have had some experience in dialoguing with those of an atheist or agnostic mind set. It is a daunting task one that I tried for awhile but have since stopped. It is almost impossible to find common ground on which to speak or even share. Stereotypical thinking on both sides makes it hard to really listen. Also the fact that the same arguments are used by both sides over and over again dulls the mind and soon there is a corresponding loss of interest. Leaving the field to those who tend to be more fanatical about their opposing views, they call this debate.
So I have come to this conclusion. It is not up to me to change anyone’s mind, though I can still share and not allow myself to get dragged into any kind of useless debate that leads nowhere. It is freeing to realize that all any of us can do is to plant seeds, and have faith that the spirit will do its work. Arguing only hardens the one being argued with, into a defensive stance; well both sides can become defensive, which can only cause harm. For many have ideas about the church and Christianity hard for them to over come. So a gentle loving approach is always called for; respectful, peaceful, and with no worry to actually bring someone over. It is not up to us, but to the Holy Spirit who has a time table that will not fit any of ours.
The church is often maligned, stereotyped, boxed in as a community that is narrow and bigoted, so it is very difficult to be able to deal with this at best, impossible at the worst. However taking a listening stance goes a long way in getting others to listen to what it is you want to share with them. Once opponents become dialoguers and listeners, things can move forward easier which could bear good fruit immediately. Again seeds of understanding are planted.
There is an old saying: “sometimes you’re the fly and sometimes you’re the windshield”, so it is also good to understand that everyone no matter what group they belong to get maligned just as Christians often do. Atheist for instance can be persecuted by Christians with bible bashing, which leads nowhere, but only increases the rightness of narrow misplaced ideas about the Christian faith in general and the Catholic Church in particular. Also some will not want to listen, it is not personal, for who knows the background of some of those who seem to be angry at any mention of God and enraged when Christianity is brought up? Best to leave them in peace, respecting where they are at, praying for them, believing that by being respectful, a connection has been made that the Holy Spirit can work with; again within a time frame that we cannot grasp or be observed by us.
The mercy that we received through sheer grace is open to everyone, so praying for others is just as important as sharing; perhaps the most important. Having a deep prayer life, goes a long way to making any presentation of the faith, come across as something that the presenter is living themselves. When perceived as authentic by the listener also allows respect to take root.