The lost arts of thinking and debating...

It’s way easier (and funner—for a while) to use ad hominem attacks and to play the provocateur than it is to become a person of substance who can actually debate issues and refute ideas with gentleness and respect.

Which kind of person do you really want to be?

"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."

—Eleanor Roosevelt

"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." 

—F. Scott Fitzgerald

"One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating...."

—Mark 12:28a

Related Posts:
* Be Aware of Your Echo Chamber
* Free speech? ONLY if you think exactly like us. (brief audio)

* Christians Behaving Badly on Social Media 

* The Secret to Change Isn't More Yelling 

And finally, just in case you feel like this post has been too serious...

If you've read this far, you might be wondering:  Which "side" is Bill hoping reads this post? Let me be very clear.  I'm aiming this post at both—and all—sides because we (including me) need it.

Like I said...
It’s way easier (and funner—for a while) to use ad hominem attacks and to play the provocateur than it is to become a person of substance who can actually debate issues and refute ideas with gentleness and respect.

Which kind of person do you really want to be?

You, Me, and Coffee Monday... 
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