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In my conversations with people (especially on the topic of homosexuality) it’s clear that those living in sin often refuse to accept that what they are doing is sinful. When asked the question: “do you think X is a sin? The answer is usually “no!”. This makes those of us calling it a sin seem judgmental and communication breaks down.
It’s like trying to speak English to people who don’t believe in words. Another example from the other side would be evolutionists trying to have a conversation with creationists.
So, the question this week is “How do you bridge the gap between worldviews when the parties in a discussion can’t agree on basic concepts?“. How can you still have a productive conversation?
This is a great question. In my experience, if you don’t have a framework for a discussion, then all you can do is care for that person, get to know them, love them unconditionally. Hopefully they notice that you are different, and if they ask you, then you can share that Jesus changed your life. Until then, don’t evangelize to people who are not ready to receive the information you are sharing.
What if someone you know asks you a specific question directly?
Susan…The scripture is clear that we are to be ready to answer every man that asks. (1 Pet 3:15) That assumes, of course, perhaps some time should have been spent getting prepared. If you are not prepared or if the question is not one that you are able to answer, I would say that the response ” I don’t know. I’ll check on it for you.” is not a bad way to answer.
Bryce…You would have no arguement from me here. I think that there is much too much verbal diarrhea coming from uninformed Christians who have no real spiritual chops to back it up. (meaning loving service to the world) Relationships need to be built over time before heavy things can be carried accross.