Philosophical dialogue “features a dispute not between competing individuals but between competing ideas. This is the kind of arguing philosophers do. Rather than being emotional, it is rational. We are seeking reasons for why we think a belief is true. In arguing this way, we do not attack the other person, but we are both attacking an issue or problem. This is why philosophers often can hold opposite views on issues and yet be good friends. The goal of this kind of arguing is not to win but to find the truth. In fact, if you can show me that a belief I had thought was true is actually false, I have not lost but have won, because I do not want to hold a false belief and am now closer to the truth.” ~Mark Foreman
Charlie Kirk understood this. He died doing it. So did Stephen. So did Socrates. So did Jesus.
I love philosophical dialogue and welcome a healthy exchange of ideas. I have sought all of my adult life to help young people know what they believe and why they believe it. Like Paul, who wrote: “…so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes…” — Ephesians 4:14. Or again “…we take every thought captive to obey Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5 Or “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’” (Acts 2:40)
Why is this so important? The rip-tide of wrong thinking has swept a generation into the sea of philosophical oblivion, producing a mindset that doesn’t know, doesn’t care and doesn’t care to know.
The only way to turn back the tide of bad ideas is by planting truth in questioning hearts and minds. For those who aren’t asking questions, it is a noble pursuit to raise the question and shine the light with every opportunity. Along with Paul we must say “the love of Christ compels us” in 2 Corinthians 5:14.
