A Passionate Yet Respectful Dialogue about Faith

While a seminary student, I initiated a year long debate which occurred most Saturdays between three Jehovah Witness leaders from the Twin Cities and a team that consisted of two friends and myself. Our aim was to discuss the Bible and debate our differences. It was never easy to go into these Saturday morning debates. Yet, in spite of our differences, both sides respected one another. And, I think these JW leaders may have begun to discover Jesus Christ as the Son of God (a pivotal line of thought was the Revelations passages which say "I am the Alpha and the Omega; the First and the Last.").

In a postmodern, pluralistic world one would think that respectful dialogue about differences could frequently happen. I do believe it's very possible with many people. However, there are a few issues to navigate. One issue is what the other person thinks or believes about you and your convictions. Are you going to jam your religion down their throat? Are you going to judge them? Or, does your friend realize that you would like to share his/her journey and talk about his/her questions and issues? From our side of the conversation, there are issues, too. We're perceived by some as not exhibiting God's love; by others as reinforcing the Republican versus Democrat divide; and even by some as "angry".

So I propose two things. First, that we engage people with a passionate yet respectful dialogue. And second, just make the point as often as you can in your circle of influence -- that a passionate, respectful dialogue about faith is a good thing. I think that's a great way to honor what Jesus did on the cross for us.