Too often in religious dialogue as well as other types of conversational engagements, people have a tendency to hold each others past against one another. While the past is important and we should learn from it, even apologize for it if necessary, dialogue demands that we speak to each other in the present. Don't hold everything that has ever been said by anyone representing a religion against a modern day adherent of that faith. Sometimes a present tense conversation will reveal agreement about past issues or conflicts that might be mutually agreed upon by both parties and that is a win in the dialogue not a position to be held suspect or doubted. Have a present tense conversation with someone about faith and see what people actually believe as opposed to what you think they believe.
Greg Johnson
Comments