This week, I’ve been reading in the gospel of Matthew. Again and again through the gospel we see people
challenge Jesus with religious questions.
In chapters 21-22, Matthew presents a series of questions specifically
from religious leaders seeking to trip Jesus up and discredit him. Theoretical questions seeking to create
nuanced theological argument that had little to do with daily life were pitched(16.1ff;
22.15ff; 21.23ff) He was baited with
questions on morality (19.3ff; 22.34).
Then comes Matthew 22.46.
“And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone
dare to ask him any more questions.”
Jesus’ critics were silenced because he spoke with authority, which is
another theme in Matthew. The point I
think is important for modern Christians is that Jesus provided reasoned
discussion on the true issue behind the questions. He didn’t get caught up quibbling about
money, marriage, or ritual. He focused
on divided loyalties. He pushed the
Pharisees to examine the purpose of ritual and the impact of sin on
humanity. Instead of dismissing the
questions, he pushed them past the surface level discussion.
This skill is one I fear we are not developing in
evangelical Christianity. I frequently
get to listen to how people respond when their beliefs are challenged. What I hear Christians do is take a hard
stand and simply defend it by proclaiming, “This is what God says. You’re wrong.” OK, they may not be quite that blunt, but
it’s what is communicated clearly to whoever they’re addressing. The conversation quickly slides into two
people talking past one another without truly addressing the underlying
beliefs. I’ve watched this on any number
of the popular culture wars (which I’ll spare everyone from rehashing). I see this in discussions about the
exclusivity of the gospel. Christians
are getting the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion, but we get
sidetracked by the desire to be right.
This is the point where I’d normally begin inserting my list
of steps to take. I have neither the
time nor space to flesh out the implications, and such is not my goal. I think the Church needs something more
foundational than a list of skills or tasks.
We need to change how we think in order to change how we interact with
our society. Having said this, I offer
the list of changes with very little explanation or support.
1.
Learn to think deeply. People are tired of the church presenting
answers that seem inconsistent or shallow.
While “The Bible says so” might be an answer that is perfectly true and
legitimate answer in a discussion, but people want to understand why the Bible
says so, and we should strive to understand the why, not just the what.
2.
Be
humble. This one is biblical,
but many outside of the Church have legitimate criticism of Christians for
sounding (and often being) arrogant and dismissive of others. This is truly a spiritual crisis that is
important not only for how we relate to others but how we relate to God.
3.
Learn
to listen. This one is actually
associated with thinking deeply. Listen
to what people say. Look for the
motives, fears, or desires that are motivating them. Doing so helps us understand the person and
their beliefs.
4.
Learn
to communicate. You won’t be a
perfect communicator. You simply have to
know how to communicate genuine concern and compassion.
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