Give me my Truth, or I will give you my Hate

Lately I have been involved in some wonderfully uplifting conversations with some close friends. We have been able to discuss politics, religion, values, education and a plethora of other topics together; all without judgement or discontent in the eye of disagreement.

On the flip side, I have experienced some conversations with other friends that were, for lack of a better term, a complete waste of good air. It seemed that regardless of what my views were, or how much I listened to and respected their views, unless they were in direct correlation with what the other person said or thought, I was chastised and mocked for my beliefs. I was called “old-fashioned,” “ill-informed,” and my personal favorite, “ignorant.”

It seems that the current definition of “discussion” is, “Give me my Truth, or I will give you my Hate.”

When did society come to a point that an opposing view, by nature of it being different from one’s own view, is wrong and ignorant? Haven’t some of the most rewarding ideas in our history come from open discourse of opposing views? (Think about it.. the Magna Carta, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, etc.)

I do not have much to say other than the questions posed in the previous paragraph. I enjoy open discourse and encourage others to listen to the views of those with whom they completely disagree. There might just be more in common than previously recognized.

My mind has been widened and my spirit has been uplifted by hearing beliefs and philosophies that are not my own.
For that perspective I am ever-thankful to Father in Heaven!