Good news! Christian Civility in an Uncivil Worldis is now in the warehouse. We are there at last. Order the book at the Smyth & Helwys website. It is perfect for small group discussions and ideal to help combat hate speech.
Archive for September, 2009
Be Real - Leave the actor at home. We want you to be present. Know who you are. Until you figure out who you are, others will attempt to shape you into the person they want you to be. Until you know who you are you will be blown about by each new whim or fad. This is not a time for play acting or feigning an identity. This is a time for the real you – not an impostor. We want to know you. We want to interact with you.
Show Up – Key 4
Sep 20
Show up – Don’t be missing in action. Be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. Life will not send out a search party. You are responsible for you. Life is not a dress rehearsal. Be ready to participate. Have your entire person show up – your body, your mind, your will, your attention. Most of us have experienced the frustration of having someone bodily present, but mentally absent. Don’t let that be you.
Disrespect
Sep 11
Congressman Joe Wilson’s outburst during the Joint Session of Congress has nothing to do with his political disagreement with President Obama. As a congressman and as a citizen he has more than ample opportunities to express those concerns. His outburst shows a tremendous lack of respect first for himself, then for the president of the United States, then for the people of his district in South Carolina and fourth for the Congress.
His apology was insincere. “The leadership asked me to apologize.” What a terrible example he has set for the democratic process. His comment added no light to the debate, but rather focused attention on himself and reflected badly on the people who sent him there.
Many of us have mounted a campaign to return civility to our public discourse. Joe Wilson has become the poster person to remind us how badly such a campaign is needed. Honest debate is essential in a democracy, but disrespect for the opponent is counterproductive.
