Argument is generally thought of as two or more people yelling at each other trying to convince the other side that the louder they yell the more right they are. We have lost the ability to debate or argue. We forget that to debate, is not to win your position, but a process where two sides try to come to the best answer to a problem or situation. It is the process of debating, and seeing the pros and cons of each position, that a better solution is created or discovered.
In modern times we call that "synergy." Synergy is the notion that 1+1= more than 2. Perhaps we have forgotten that sometimes synergy is not simply ideas on a white board. Sometimes people have to argue or debate a position, which can be uncomfortable, then have those positions or ideas criticized and keep the best all sides have to offer.
Some advocate that the purpose of debate is solely to win, however it's true purpose is to find the best solutions.
Rather than feel ling attacked because our personal well being is locked up in our argument or position, we need to recognize that through the process of debate(logical or formal argument) we become better people, gain more understanding, and create better solutions.
Arguing and debate are actually used interchangeably but we think of arguing and debate as a bad thing, but it is not.
In a spiritual setting it is hard to decide what is debatable and what is not. Not all questions are open to debate. There are those items where compromise is not an option. Brad and I have made the conscious decision to not watch PG-13 movies. We have set a standard. Others may not choose this same standard. No amount of argument is going to change our position on this point. At the same time I do not seek to force my standard on others. My point is we simply need to argue/debate those things which are subject to debate.
Benjamin Franklin too was criticized for what he wrote, thus his many pen names. Pen names don't work in this forum - humm I wonder who wrote this? Actually, Brad dictated these words this morning as I shared my last post with him, apologizing for the criticism he had to take for me yesterday. Thanks honey for standing beside me, I am sorry to drag you to uncomfortable places. I have a tiny glimpse into how Eve felt when she stood beside Adam for the choice she made.
In modern times we call that "synergy." Synergy is the notion that 1+1= more than 2. Perhaps we have forgotten that sometimes synergy is not simply ideas on a white board. Sometimes people have to argue or debate a position, which can be uncomfortable, then have those positions or ideas criticized and keep the best all sides have to offer.
Some advocate that the purpose of debate is solely to win, however it's true purpose is to find the best solutions.
Rather than feel ling attacked because our personal well being is locked up in our argument or position, we need to recognize that through the process of debate(logical or formal argument) we become better people, gain more understanding, and create better solutions.
Arguing and debate are actually used interchangeably but we think of arguing and debate as a bad thing, but it is not.
In a spiritual setting it is hard to decide what is debatable and what is not. Not all questions are open to debate. There are those items where compromise is not an option. Brad and I have made the conscious decision to not watch PG-13 movies. We have set a standard. Others may not choose this same standard. No amount of argument is going to change our position on this point. At the same time I do not seek to force my standard on others. My point is we simply need to argue/debate those things which are subject to debate.
Benjamin Franklin too was criticized for what he wrote, thus his many pen names. Pen names don't work in this forum - humm I wonder who wrote this? Actually, Brad dictated these words this morning as I shared my last post with him, apologizing for the criticism he had to take for me yesterday. Thanks honey for standing beside me, I am sorry to drag you to uncomfortable places. I have a tiny glimpse into how Eve felt when she stood beside Adam for the choice she made.