Different Understandings

Yesterday we had our monthly gathering of local clergy. This is always a time of sharing with one another what is happening in our lives, offering support and entering into times of discussion about things that are happening in our community, country or world. Yesterday the conversation began around the elections in the USA and the recent leaders debate. Some of us have been watching closely and others of us have tuned it out for a while! The interesting part of this discussion was what flowed from it.

What started as a conversation about how followers of Jesus make their decision about who to vote for in a secular election led to a real learning experience about the different traditions that shape what we call “ Christianity”. Highlighted were the many different understandings of Scripture, how that it is read and the part that it plays in the shaping of our lives. It led to a discussion of sin and is one sin worse than another and again the understanding was not unanimous. We talked about marriage and what that means and who it is open to. We shared views about pro-life and pro-choice. Underneath each of these topics was what informed our decision making – scripture, tradition, reason.

At the end it was obvious that we were very divided and each of us was convinced that our understanding is the right one. However, the neat thing in this was the feeling that this was not a parting of the ways but an amazing opportunity to gain insight and understanding into who the other was and how they make their life choices.

In our scared story we read:

“ By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established” (Proverbs 24:3)

“ An intelligent mind acquires knowledge and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge..
The one who first states a case seems right until the other comes and cross-examines.” ( Proverbs 18: 15, 17)

Through another’s eyes

I can’t help but think that more of these kinds of dialogues would eventually lead to a better understanding of who we share community with. I think that it would open doors and enable us to find ways to respect and honour one another and work together for the good of all humanity. Now I admit that this would not be easy because sometimes the differences are fundamental ones and when neither side is willing to budge there can be problems. Having said that, it is far better to see for a moment through another’s eyes than to remain oblivious to their experience. By talking there exists the possibility that we will find common ground. As scripture reminds us

knowledge leads to understanding and wisdom.

May it be so.

Blessings
Valerie