My dad used to say that it is no disparagement when honest men disagree. I believe he was quoting someone, so I tried to find the quote. It may not be the same source, but I ran across the following from Elmer Davis:
“This nation was conceived in liberty and dedicated to the principle – among others – that honest men may honestly disagree; that if they all say what they think, a majority of the people will be able to distinguish truth from error; that in the competition of the marketplace of ideas, the sounder ideas will in the long run win out.”
I like the thought – it is the basic premise behind democracy and it is, at its heart, quite hopeful. In view of the quality of public dialogue in America at present, I just don’t know if it’s true.
The recent spate of brick throwing attacks in response to the health care legislation is rather disturbing. Admittedly, the number of those who are actually resorting to that kind of action is minimal, but the nature of the communication between competing factions in the health care debate is genuinely disturbing. Where did civility disappear to?
Sometimes the followers of Jesus get caught up in the mix. I’m not sure how it became acceptable in some circles for Christians to demonstrate disdain for those who disagree with them. I’m not against strongly worded statements. I pray for more people in our church who are able to express themselves with clarity and with certainty. I also pray that each of us will keep a civil tongue. It is, after all, our own scriptures which remind us that “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
That is true even in politics. Or should I say, especially in politics.
Steve Pecota - a Pastor in Seattle 
This is a moving post, Pastor. Thank you for sharing… Glenn