Our assumption is usually: “I did understand you. I know your motivation. I know what you’re trying to say, and I therefore have the need and right to attack you.” Normally, neither of us grows or expands in such a context. The truth is not well served, because neither of us feels secure or respected. Unfortunately, this has become the state of our public discourse, even in places like the senate and among major editorial writers. I wonder if we in the church have shown them a viable alternative.
