So last week I read one of the many biographies of C.S. Lewis' life and found it rather interesting. The author Douglas Gresham was Lewis' stepson therefore, he knew Lewis in a way that many did not. It is evident that Gresham thought very highly of his stepfather and held him in the highest regard. Time and time again Gresham highlights Lewis' willingness to take time from his writing and studies to serve those around him. When it came to simply talking to someone, giving them a place to stay for a few nights, or day-to-day chores Lewis frequently and without gripe did what was needed.
Gresham also spoke rather extensively about a somewhat informal group that Lewis was apart of that met weekly at a local pub in Oxford. The Inklings, as they came to be known were a group of professors, writers, and general thinkers who enjoyed a good philosophical conversation and a pint with it. Gresham made a very interesting point about the time period of which Lewis lived in. He points out the social value placed on good dialogue among men. In the biography Gresham writes in reference to the Inkings,
"One of the most valuable things of that time was that in those days nobody felt the least bit of need to dislike or grow angry with someone simply because they disagreed with them. These men disagreed with one another about almost everything but never grew annoyed or felt slighted by one another." -Douglas Gresham Jack's Life
Today, I, being apart of the postmodern generation am extremely unfamiliar with this type of dialogue. I have sat through four years of discussion on the university level concerning topics such as evolution, politics, religions, philosophy, methodology, etc, and rarely do I see the opposing sides shake hands and grab a bite to eat afterwords. Most of the time tempers flare, sincere passion turns to hurtful artillery, and verbal jabs are thrown in an attempt to demoralize and hurt the other side.
I have also sat in on and been apart of discussion that quickly died due to not wanting to offend another person. Continually being on the defense in order to not be in the offense can be a rather stagnant stance to hold. It is in the midst of discussion, debate, and criticism that the best products are produced. I credit much of this attitude toward what sociologist have named "postmodernism". (If you would like to read more about Postmodernity follow the link attached.)
The postmodern generation has been attributed the characteristics of not want to offend anyone therefore, each person creates and maintains his own reality. Thus, according to postmodernism I cannot say you are wrong in what you believe, say, or do; and likewise. It is this mentality of my generation that has attributed to what I believe has been shallow conversations, lacking the refining fire of debate because of the fear of offending another person. I feel like I should have the liberty to ask another person about his political stance and/or religious affiliation without the worry of offending him. I ask because I am interested not because I want to argue and I ask because I want to learn not because I want to fight. I should also be able to receive question and criticism well and without taking offense.
Healthy dialogue must be welcomed if we intend to grow in knowledge and understanding and especially those of us who are followers of Christ. I have often found myself taking offense at what people say about Jesus Christ, whom I believe is God in man form. Interesting to reread and to think I take offense at a statement made toward the God of the universe, as if He cannot do anything about it. As believers we must continually be reminded that our Father can hold his own and therefore, our response should not be that of hate or offense rather, love.
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