Separation of Church and Hate

by John Fugelsang

Be ready to calmly challenge misinterpretations or selective readings of scripture by using crazy concepts like context, historical understanding, and what Jesus said versus what he didn’t. 4. Remind them that parables are stories—which are open to interpretation. There are hundreds of different translations and word meanings that have changed over the millennia. 5. Focus on core principles we all agree on, like love, compassion, justice, and reconciliation. They’re kinda required for Christianity. Get them to agree on that. 6. Model respectful dialogue, even if you’re repelled by some opinions. Eye contact, smiling, and warmth are always good. Avoid, if you can, the personal attacks or dismissive language, even if they don’t. You may get to model turning the other cheek. 7. Don’t debate in a vacuum—try to have witnesses. You’ll reach more people if you can show how an informed, civil person debates in public. You might not get all the onlookers on your side, but you won’t give them reason to hate you. 8. Be open to listening, even if it’s crazy-talk. They’ve been trained their entire lives by right-wing media to believe you don’t care about them or their beliefs, so don’t prove them right. Identify those fleeting moments of agreement. They’ll respect you, even if they don’t like you very much. 9. Get them—gently—to acknowledge your points. They don’t have to agree with you (and they won’t), but ask them to confirm they at least understand the point you’re making. It helps...