In my sad experience, the most partisan of people see unhealthy partisanship in nearly all of their "opponents" but do not recognize a partisan spirit in themselves.
It's striking how often, in the name of opposing "partisanship" and "tribalism," Christians go on to articulate a perfectly partisan and tribal view of their own, without nary a sighting of biblical texts and truth.
When this happens, we're not merely blind to the partisan spirit that may affect us, we're also blind to the Bible that can heal and direct us. That's why it's deeply sad.
In the worst instances of partisanship and tribalism, we actually come to hear perfectly sound biblical arguments as *further evidence of partisanship and tribalism.* There's a self-fulfilling prophecy/confirmation bias that actually *prevents* us from hearing the word accurately
The only way forward, as far as I can see, is to:
1. Assume the good motive of our "opponent";
2. Develop a willingness to agree and concede everywhere we can and should;
3. Apply the Bible w/ fresh eyes, ears and hearts--hardest part of all; &
4. Test all (esp self) by the word.
1. Assume the good motive of our "opponent";
2. Develop a willingness to agree and concede everywhere we can and should;
3. Apply the Bible w/ fresh eyes, ears and hearts--hardest part of all; &
4. Test all (esp self) by the word.
If we cannot suspend our certainty long enough to hear the "other" and honestly consider their claims, we cannot hope to learn and grow. We'll reinforce the walls of our echo chamber w/ sound proof bias. We'll claim to be "biblical" while violating the letter and spirit of Bible.
