THE GROWING DEVALUATION OF DISCOURSE

One could blame social media for the current state of public engagement but I don’t believe the argument holds.  Behind the keystrokes are individuals who are expressing points of view.  Social media then becomes just another avenue by which we can have discussions. Regardless of the form of expression, the words we speak or write are indelible and as the Bible tells us, have the power to give life or death.

Social media has made it possible to have a wide reach of connectivity with others.  That level of interaction should evoke an even greater responsibility.  What is missing in most conversations whether in person or online is civility and a general respect for a difference of opinion. What signifies civility seems to be largely subjective, but I think we can agree that name calling and intentional degrading of a person because of their differing opinion would fall within the scope.  

I love good debate and generally have an appreciation for the how  various points of view are argued.  But as a Christian looking through the lens of the Gospel we see that the Bible has much to say to us about what flows from our mouth.  Debate is fine, just proceed with the following in mind:

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.    Colossians 3:8

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. James 3:10

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person. Matthew 15:11

While some prefer to take the path of least resistance, I believe that meaningful debate is valuable.  It evokes thought and allows us to reason together. We should be intentional and selective about the conversations and discussions to which we enter.  Sometimes it is prudent to start a discussion or comment on a pre-existing discussion and sometimes it is not.  It is unfortunate however, when we shy away from a discussion because it has the potential to lead to contention or controversy.  If either arise we should meet them with grace, a gentle tongue, and with the ultimate goal of making our point clear while leaving folks with their dignity and the relationship one to another in tact.