Talking to Someone WIth Whom You Disagree

Photo Credit: Aaron Springston
A frequent topic of conversation centers around people who think differently about situations -- government, environment, education, et cetera. Specifically, we are concerned about this abyss which has appeared over the last few years, the one which keeps us from understanding each other, the one which we're afraid of falling into when certain topics are mentioned. Kevin and I were talking about this today and he had a great suggestion: when we are having a disagreement with someone about something, both of you list five life values you hold dear and see how the topic in question stands up to that litmus test. Without thinking about this deeply, I shall choose: truth, compassion/empathy, flexibility according to the situation, a trust in intuition (your gut feeling about something), and peace. So when I hear that my dear friend says she supports the current administration's policy concerning immigration, I shall ask her to think about her values and name five; then we will discuss this situation in light of what we hold to be important morally, spiritually, and intellectually. We desperately need honest communication, without blame, self-righteous judgment, and name calling. This is as good of a place to start as any! Enjoy the gift of this day, dear Ones. 

"Superstition and understanding can never combine. When the final physical and moral effects of Christian Science are fully apprehended, the conflict between truth and error, understanding and belief, Science and material sense, foreshadowed by the prophets and inaugurated by Jesus, will cease, and spiritual harmony reign." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 288:9



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