Sunday, 15th October, 2006

Reason: in Christian Faith and Theology

Last session we had some reasoning exercises. The interesting thing was reason became hunting for details of relevance to support our argument. We were reasoning for things we may not necessarily believe, but scavenging to find source to support our quest, preparing our mighty arsenal to bury the opposition.

Our subjects were “ID Cards" and “Cheap air flights". We all found pros and cons with both subjects, but working together as a team pulled us together, finding common ground. We planned to get the contentious issues we might loose on out of the way early, quickly moving on so they would be forgotten (including us as it turned out).

Worringly, what became important was not the cause I believed in, but the need to support my colleagues. I found this disconcerting as I was almost believing the unfounded rubbish I was burbling to bolster our case, a case I had no real conviction in. I now see why politicians appear so bipolar, towing the party line.

Added 11th October
I went to a Local Deanery Cluster meeting on Wednesday. It was interesting to see how easily people sided the fence in a debate, opting for one of two sides. The alternative third view point didn’t even get a look in. Still I am sure they will consider it next time.