We have become increasingly insensitive to one another and as caustic with one another as we have ever been. The whole Western world seems to be watching and just as engaged in our USA’s political and social conditions.
We need civility. This realization widespread, and the solution is seemingly out of reach. And many feel that now that the Democrats have won and want to talk civility that such talk is hollow because they have done their fair share of carping and griping and being uncivil for five years. No reason to say “You-know-who started it” because the issue is that both sides have formed into a culture of incivility.
I had the chance to interview Dr. Darrell Bock about his new book Cultural Intelligence. Dr. Bock offers ideas about how Christians might better engage culture by becoming more sensitive and keeping on mission. The interview is an hour long so buckle up for a wonderful conversation with Darrell.
You may not want to make it through the whole video so let me draw on two parts of his book. The first is about six critical biblical texts and the second is about the art of conversation.
Six Critical Biblical Texts
These are excellent and essential texts. We should be encouraged how the Bible deals with civility and cultural intelligence.
Eph. 6:12 — For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
1 Pet. 3:15-16 — But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Col. 4:5 — Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Gal. 6:10 — Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
2 Cor. 5:20 — We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
2 Tim. 2:24-26 — And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Six fundamental ideas
(1) the cultural engagement is a spiritual issue too; (2) be engaged but do it right; (3) speech matters; (4) do good to all; (5) keep to the mission of reconciliation with God and others; (6) remember God is doing the work.
What will be both commonsense – let me start that again: the problem with common sense is that it not familiar enough. Here are some wise, commonsensical observations about conversations:
We sabotage conversations with others
We lack cultural intelligence when we:
- Make the quick confession and then pivot.
- Exorcise the other by name-calling and labeling.
- Assign motive
- Think poorly about seeking common ground
- Engage in tribalism
We advance conversations when we:
Can parse layers within a view
Own our own junk
Stick to issues
Are honest about our own concerns and convictions
Are honest about where you need to listen and learn