Interreligious dialogue

[juantoo3]

Originally Posted by lunamoth

I guess it depends on the situation, whether one really is being attacked or unduly criticized, and the tact with which one replies. I guess I prefer the phrase 'consitently clarifying ones views,' which implies reason and courtesy, to 'digging in ones heels,' which implies to me unthinking reaction and a defensive position.

Originally Posted by Gatekeeper

I think our traditions mean something to us on a personal level, but when we 'dig our heels in' against all comers, or those who might hold a different position, we are essentially widening the division between us. Ones views are one's views, but when those views stir up anger, and contention, it is best to let them be, or keep them to self. [imo] That is to say, not insist that we are right, and the other is wrong. I think it is silly to do so ... dailog is fine when it is civil, and the other party is intersted in what you have to offer, but if it is all one sided, then you essentially have yourself a monologue, lol.

OK, I can see I chose a bad phrase to express my intended meaning. Perhaps "digging in our heels" has a more negative connotation I didn't consider.

I basically agree with you both. I was trying to convey the idea that a tradition would have to be worthy of defending if it is worthy of holding in the first place. One wouldn't defend some silliness quite frankly because silliness would have a difficult time being defended. So there must be some element of truth and reason behind a tradition. By digging in heels I was meaning this idea that a tradition worth having is one that is worth defending.

[Snoopy]

Hmmmm this bumping a thread lark....

I think I'd like to know what Thomas thinks here in 2008...

I'm happy to say that what I thought in 2003 should probably stay in 2003, but then that's just me.

s.

[dauer]

I second snoopy and I also encourage more thread bumping!