| pastormarla |
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| Fresher |
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Joined: 05-12-2009 17:32:21
Posts: 35
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Although I read widely on a variety of subjects, mainly various Christian leaders, I have very few heroes. In the old days, there were certain speakers and writers, and anything they said or wrote, I took as truth. I didn't know anything about them, except from what could be grasped from reading or listening to them.
But nowadays, I want to see the character of the person, before they go on my "trust" list.
I remember attending a seminar in Cincinnati about ten years ago. It featured two of my favorite authors. I was very, very excited to have them both speaking there, and I had read several books by each one. I grabbed a friend and gladly went. I am not the type to start conversing with famous people as they usually have more people coming up to talk than they can possibly see. But this seminar ended up being fairly small, only about eighty people. So I thought I might tell each one how helpful their writing had been to my life. Well, speaker one did a great job of telling us his good stuff. But afterward, when we all had break, he simply disappeared. He was not interested in any personal connection with the crowd. I didn't like his perceived arrogance, and have barely read anything of his since.
The other speaker/writer also shared life changing stories, and I decided that since he was stopping to speak to people and there was only a small crowd, I would speak to him. I waited in line, about five people, but just when I got to him, a person grabbed him and said, "You have to go eat now. The car is leaving." He turned to me and said, "I have to go, but I will find you and talk to you before the next session." He followed through. Since that day, I continue to admire him, even though I now disagree with some of his writings. But I saw and continue to see his character over time, and I will always consider him a friend.
Who is real, and whom do you believe are becoming big issues in the this time of totally impersonal internet and TV. When I was young, the majority of speakers were personally known to me or my family. There were a few big well recognized names, like Billy Graham. But often, we know nothing of the background of the people we read or listen to. How do we find the character of the person?
I continue to stick to local churches or groups where I can actually meet the speaker. If someone has a local pastor, they have an opportunity to develop, over time, a clear understanding of their pastor's character. I prefer small seminars where there is a chance for face to face interaction with the speakers. I try to do some background research on some authors. I check with other people to see what they know for true about this person.
Several things will quickly turn me off. One is someone who is very prideful and constantly says or implies that their personal belief system is the only correct one. I am not talking about the differences between Buddhist and Mormon, but rather, variations within the same faith. Another is someone who makes personal attacks on others, or who is unkind, sarcastic, or cutting. I want to hear kind words and respectful debates.
I participate in several list-serve conversation groups. On some, there are people who will attack on any issue, and take offense very easily. One recently read a twenty page posting by someone and proceeded to take offense at one sentence in the paper. I have decided the person's goal is to simply attack or take offense and not really offer any new ideas or be in dialogue at all.
Today a Christian, family oriented, radio station asked if there was anyone whom they should not invite on the show. The host said that we could have good dialogue with anyone. As I listened, I thought of the scripture that says that a lot of things are not necessarily evil, but they are not good. We have limited time and resources. Why do we want to expose ourselves and possibly pick up bad habits from people who are hateful? We can't avoid the negative side or the ones who deliberately mislead us, but we can limit their effect in our lives.
Listen and read carefully. What is the person's character? What is their agenda? How factual are they? Do they build up or tear down? Can they see and articulate both sides of a picture? Who are they, really? |
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