In a world where we consistently take one side over the other, where we define things as black or white, where we divide into mine and yours by building walls that incarcerate our views and beliefs, are we able to see things with an open mind. Are we able to listen to competing viewpoints?
Read any of the following three scenarios. Ask yourself the questions that follow them.
1) Many believe that being a gay man or a lesbian is a personal choice. Science has yet to uncover a definitive answer to a biological determinant. If science discovered tomorrow that being a gay man or a lesbian was not a choice, that it was a genetic disposition (as much as being a heterosexual was), would you feel differently about gay men and lesbians? How would that change your biblical views?
2) Our political viewpoints can be as strong (if not stronger) than our religious ones. Take your political affiliation. Now look at its direct opposite. Are you able to understand why someone from the opposite side would disagree with your views on abortion? Where would you be willing to listen to them?
3) The weather and its unpredictability are topics we love to discuss. Sometimes we tie the two together in an explanation for global warming. Whether you believe the phenomena of global warming is happening to our generations, are you able to understand the individual who does? How do you view the individual who does not believe in global warming?
These are typical areas of current conversation, common arenas for today’s debates. A hundred years from now these topics will undoubtedly change. Even so, the notion that there will be my view and your view will still be around.
I want to believe that our world will grow an open mind. I must believe that our world will grow an open mind. Today too much of it is mired in polarization, too much of it holds the mind: I’m right. You are wrong.
In a recent Gallup poll, confidence in politics and the media has waned dramatically. The poll has been cited by some as an indication of rampant demagoguery. I may not hold to the demagoguery view, but I can be receptive to its argument. I can have an open mind, and in this way I understand more than someone whose mind is incarcerated behind only one view.
