The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.- Joseph Joubert
Isn't that a great quote? This can particularly apply to us - bloggers. We often prompt each other to think about subjects that spur argument. These friendly discussions should give us a progressive perspective rather than a feeling of, "I won that fight." I wish more people could be objective in their arguments. If we truly resist our competitive nature to win an argument, we might find we have learned so much more. This doesn't mean I have to agree with the subject of discussion, but it can teach me the reasoning of the opposition. By learning the thoughts of both sides of a discussion, I have the choice to decide if I may have been wrong in my original position or it strengthens my argument by understanding what points are weak. Whatever side you take, don't jeopardize a friendship. My stance has always been, I will agree to disagree. Feeling victorious in an argument does not make a winner. Go ahead, make me think. :)
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We do not win individually but collectively. Pig-headedness is not a sign of faith; it is a sign of ignorance. We do not battle for God; we try to understand God. We "study to show [our]sel[ves] approved [by God not other people.] Your willingness to consider a different points of view is one of things that makes you so attractive, Jana. I always learn from you, because you aren't hell-bent on making me agree with you. Love, Helen
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jana. I also like Helen's opening statement, "We do not win individually but collectively."
ReplyDeleteHelen - thanks for your comment. I agree with Mark about your opening statement, and I also like the second sentence. It is so exasperating to discuss (or I should say attempt to discuss) something with someone who is pigheaded in their opinion and disregard another point of view. I am always willing to listen and consider someone's point of view. To refuse that, learning is stifled. Thanks, too, for your compliment. It can be returned to you because you don't try and force anyone to agree with you.
ReplyDeleteMark - thanks for dropping by. I agree with you about Helen's remarks. Progressive discussion is one of the things Brian and I so enjoy when we are with you and Debbie.
ReplyDeleteI found myself coming back to this statement by Helen as well..."We do not battle for God; we try to understand God." ... where did we ever get the idea that God needed us to defend Him. If it's truth, He'll defend it...if not, then let it go. But if you must defend it, at least admit that you're defending it for you not Him. It kind of makes me wonder what all we claim that we're defending for Him, that if we'd just pause long enough to ask Him He'd say let it die. :-)
ReplyDeleteJana, I agree...the four of us have spent many evenings having progressive discussions over a cup of Starbucks. We love it...
Hi, Mark - I love to read Helen's comments. She always puts thought into what she says and it causes me to think. I had been thinking of that line to, "We do not battle for God..." Even if He needs defending, He said, "Vengeance is mine." I think that totally elinimates us from any fighting or defending.
ReplyDeleteYour thought is great. I agree with Helen we can learn quite a bit just reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - thanks. I just give a root thought and then Helen and Mark bring it to life with their comments. :)
ReplyDeleteSee http://helenl.wordpress.com/2007/06/04/statement-about-progress-by-thomas-merton/
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