By Jonathan Sacks
July 14 2022
Can We Reason Together - Part III Chapter 17– Being Human - Human Dignity
Welcome everyone to the United Methodist Men’s Book Study –
How did we do with last meeting’s challenge:
How can we restore civility to our family, our friendship, our church and community?
What must we do to keep the discussion going?
Recap from – The Death of Civility
Are we living in a time of In-Civility?
Do we feel there is nothing (commonality or crisis) to unite us?
Do you feel you can talk and truly listen to people with different views?
Do you feel that people with views different from you are somehow wrong or ill-informed?
Dining with the Opposition -
Democracy is a battle of ideas, but one that depends on treating opponents as legitimate
adversaries not treasonous enemies.
This works… if we really listen (1)
(1)The New Statesman UK Edition - Jonathan Wolfe - December 20, 2021
Civility is More Than Just Good Manners
It is a recognition that violent speech leads to violent deeds; that listening respectfully to your
opponents is a necessary part of the politics of a FREE society, and that Democracy is predicated
on the dignity of diversity, and must keep peace between Civility is More Than Just Good
Manners
It is a recognition that violent speech leads to violent deeds; that listening respectfully to your
opponents is a necessary part of the politics of a FREE society, and that Democracy is predicated
on the dignity of diversity, and must keep peace between contending groups by honoring us all
equally.
Why do we tolerate otherwise?
Why do we stand by and do or say nothing?
Would Jesus say nothing?
How does Social Media encourage us to become more extreme?
Attributes of Social media today.
It’s anonymous. You don’t have to give your true name or reveal your identity,
It is invisible. You don’t see the people your are insulting, and they don’t see you.
it is Un-Regulated. There are no ground rules.
Three Principles of Civility:
For there to be justice, all sides must be heard
Truth on Earth cannot aspire to be truth as it is in Heaven. All truth on earth represents a perspective, and there a many perspectives.
The alternative to argument or discussion is violence. That is why argument and discussion must NEVER cease.
BEING HUMAN - Human Dignity What is Unique about Humanity?
How does being HUMAN set us apart from anything else?
What does Self Consciousness mean?
How does Self Consciousness build and require dignity?
How does our existence as a moral agent set us apart from other creations, and how does this
challenge us?
Challenge:
As a Christian, understanding that God breathed life in to us, God’s creation, how do we
choose to confer dignity on our selves and others we encounter?
Next Week – Part 4, Chapter 18 - Meaning
Blessings.