You cannot effectively argue with what you don’t understand. You can only make a case for or against something when you have taken the time and patience to hear and understand the position of another. Until then we talk past each other, we yell, we call names, we pin loaded tags and repulsive titles on others to discredit and hopefully silence them. This is the opposite of civil discourse to say nothing of the spirit of Christian speech. Respectfully hearing the other side well enough to even explain it to its proponents does not necessarily mean you will agree, but if you are a follower of the Lamb, you will love and respect all people, including your enemies. You will find ways to speak to them and about them that reflects the Spirit that is in you.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Pr 15:1-2, 4 (NRSV)
