Jim,
I still think the language you use with the list precludes any YECs from
having an open-minded discussion with you, or anyone else. When you assume
someone will be a certain way, even based on past behavior, your own beliefs
about them prevent them from even trying to break out of that mold. It
happens far too often with parenting as well. Kids become what their parents
"expect" of them -- not in a good way usually. If parents criticize their
kids of being irresponsible, lying, etc, they won't grow into responsible
adults. There is a right way to teach people something, whether its how to
be responsible, how to stop lying, or how to have an open-minded discussion.
The first key to having an open-minded discussion with someone is (1) show
you truly hear and understand what they are saying. If you think YEC is
ridiculous, then at least hear why they believe what they do, even if you
have to listen "behind the words." (2) Care. As the teaching saying goes,
"they won't care how much you know until they know how much you care." (3)
Introduce ideas slowly, and question their opposition to each idea. Discuss,
and know when its ok to think differently. God didn't create a body of
fingers. He created a whole body, made up of fingers, toes, arms, legs,
trunk, head, liver, intestines, etc etc. Should the liver act and behave and
think the same way a finger does?
A lot of religious beliefs have to do with psychology of belief and the need
for control and having things "understandable" -- this is stage 2 of M Scott
Peck's Stages of Spiritual Growth (Further Along The Road Less Traveled --
he is a Christian, psychiatrist and best-selling author and I think his
writing is brilliant and very astute) .
PS What is "day-age"?
My best, Wendee
> Sadly, the YECs on this list appear incapable of having open,
> fair-minded
> discussions. Even an omnipotent Lord and Savior cannot (and
> will not!)
> force people to have fair-minded discussions. People are going to do
> what they please. My impression of the Bible is that it says
> things like
> "let people follow their own paths." I realize that is not a
> thoroughly
> "fleshed out" statement. But I'm not sure if this group
> wants to pursue
> that discussion further, anyway.
>
>
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