An Ongoing Conversation

I once heard a story (the source, if I recall correctly, was Peter Rollins) about a pair of rabbis who had a long and passionate disagreement about a certain text of scripture.  The two argued about the text, year after year, point and counter-point, but neither ever changed his views. On and on it went until, at last, God decided to settle the debate.  "I've heard enough of your arguing," God said to the rabbis, "so I've decided to solve the matter.  I'll tell you the correct interpretation of the passage."  The rabbis stole a confused glance at one another and then said to the Lord, "Go back to heaven.  We're enjoying the conversation."

I love this silly story because it pokes fun of the seriousness with which many of us hold our differences.  All too often, a disagreement--whether it be about the interpretation of a text of scripture or the newest political hot button--sends us into conversion mode, where we expend all of our energies in our efforts to convert the other to our point of view.  What's troubling, of course, is that where this mindset prevails, the quality of community is diminished.  We are pressed into either/or thinking:  I'm right and you're wrong, and that's the end of the conversation.

I once knew a couple who had been married for something like 50 years.  As my first conversation with them was coming to a close, the wife said, "You know, pastor, we've canceled each other out at the voting booth every year of our marriage."  "That's true," her husband chimed in.  "Every year on election day I say to my wife, 'There's no sense in you voting today sweetheart, we'll just cancel each other out.'  She always says 'Alright dear, I won't if you won't.'  And then we both sneak off and do our voting."

I was struck by how playful this husband and wife had remained about their differences over those many years.  The differences were significant and each was passionate about their views.   Still, they had managed to keep a sense of perspective and respect and their marriage flourished. 

Over and again, the Bible tells us that where God is working, human community is formed.  It takes courage to be part of community, and to do it well requires the ability to take strong stands, to argue for truth, and to listen carefully and respect the perspectives of the other.

Would anyone care to disagree with that?