Talking and Listening

Fundamentalism cannot listen. And if you cannot listen you cannot speak. If you cannot listen you only speak about you, you cannot speak to someone else. You only speak at them. You leave no space inside yourself for them to exist and be considered. Fundamentalists derive their enemies of their humanity. So much for fundamentalist “humanists”.

It has become apparent to me over the last few years of writing this blog that the critical conversation is between the fundamentalists and the rest. It is the fundamentalist mindset that presents the greatest challenge, in my opinion, to open dialog between all parties
Naked Pastor

The preceding quote mentions polarization. Groups that only talk to themselves become further polarized. This is a sociological fact. Fundamentalists often define themselves by a small number of essential truths. The ultimate question is not whether these truths are “correct” or “true” – but rather to discover why it is these truths and not others which orient the group.

If someone cannot tell you why they have not performed the necessary self-reflection that is required. Such reflection is required in order to actually positively participate in a dialogue.