How much do you like a good argument?

Quick poll: How much do you love a good argument?

Maybe a little or maybe a whole lot… perhaps not at all.

Whatever your preferences, there’s no doubt that arguing – and conflict – is a normal part of human relationships. Especially, perhaps, in Spirit-filled, alive communities like St. Philip’s. Engaged people naturally bring their perspectives, opinions, experiences, ideas, and it only makes sense that these won’t all match or fit together in an obvious way all the time.

Sometimes when I hear the gospel read aloud in church on Sundays, I get all worked up about how often Jesus gets challenged by people around him. Everyone’s always trying to test him and catch him on some bit of wisdom or biblical knowledge. From the lens of my current social context, it seems almost rude – why can’t they give him a break and CALM DOWN??

Then I think of the ancient, Jewish practice of Talmudic debate, and I remember that I’m the one who needs to calm down. For millennia, rabbis and students have come together to analyze, discuss and debate scripture, to challenge each other, to sharpen their thinking, to search for truth. They don’t do it to be rude. They don’t do it to be disrespectful. Debate and conflict is often how we grow. And growth is an undeniable outcome of Jesus’ story.

I find this reassuring and instructive. It’s a worthy if sometimes uncomfortable practice; creating debate and disagreement to sharpen my thinking and search for truth.

Spirit be with you,

Victoria