By the Way: Civility
By Pastor Jim Bredeson on June 1, 2019.
Some years ago, I was invited to a supper that included a Catholic priest. The hostess wanted me to meet the priest who was quite special to her. Her husband, however, began to attack the priest about praying to Mary and the saints. I was uncomfortable to say the least. It wasn’t the time nor the place for such a harangue. It was impolite and uncivil. The internet is a wonderful tool and a great way to connect across long distances. It is also perhaps the greatest contributor to the loss of civility in our culture. CivilPolitics.org defines civility as the ability to disagree productively with others, respecting their sincerity and decency, but is not agreement with their position. The Apostle Peter writes: “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear.” Notice he says to be prepared to explain your position. But to “do this in a gentle and respectful way.” Not many have been argued into the kingdom via posts on Facebook! Here are some helpful hints to building a civil conversation. 1. Listen. G.K. Chesterton once said that worshiping false gods is a very bad thing. But so is setting up false demons. Don’t assume that your caricature of another group, denomination, or party is in fact true. Listen to what they are saying with “gentleness and respect.” 2. Respect the other. Every human being is made in the image of God and as such is due the honour and respect that that fact implies. 3. Truth. Truth is not relative and is important. However, not every truth requires the nuclear option. You may have ants in your house but there are options short of an atomic bomb to get rid of them. 4. Community!.There are more than 27,000 dwellings in Medicine Hat. It’s safe to say that there are 27,000 ways of doing things. To make a community work takes co-operation and at times compromise. I have been privileged to work with people from many different faith groups here in our city. I have found people of good will in all of them Do I agree with all of them? No. But I can and do work with others, even those I might disagree with, in various endeavours. Civility is becoming a lost art. But civility can and must be relearned. Pastor Jim Bredeson is senior pastor at Victory Lutheran Church. 11-10
