True Dialogue

So, I was having coffee with a friend of mine tonight, and he brought up some interesting thoughts on what is required for true dialogue to occur. When discussing differences, we usually seek to find similarities, because it’s more comfortable to hang out on that common ground. But, for two people with different views (in his example, Christian compared with Buddhist) to truly engage in meaningful dialogue, they must face their differences. The Christian must truly listen to what the Buddhist has to say, and must be open to the possibility that his/her Christian views are wrong and the Buddhist’s are right. And vice versa. Only in openness, humility, and vulnerability does a meaningful exchange actually occur. Otherwise, the conversation merely involves two people throwing ideas at each other; neither one is listening; neither one is willing to budge.

And this applies in more than just religious discussion. It applies to all of life and to everyday relationships.

And it just seems like the Christian posture to take: look to the interests of others, regard others as better than yourself, be willing to die to find life and to give life. Perhaps it can be summed up in one word...

Humility.