BOTHSIDES, Have you ever considered looking, where the opposite side is coming from?

Question

Instead of insisting on what YOU believe. Have you ever stopped and put yourself in the otherside's perspective to see where they are coming from?

And ask, what make the otherside's perspective non feasible?

Answer 1

As a Christian,I can truthfully say yes, I have...I used to be on the opposite side.

Answer 2

If you have got no opinion - get a hat!

Right, I reckon you need a hat and this is probably because you obviously want to sit on the fence and not make any decisions for yourself, whatsoever. Let other people make all the decisions for you then you can blame them when they go wrong.

Yes, of course every body tries to look at both sides of an argument or debate. The other person's view may be just as valid or more reasonable than your own.

BUT NO (and this is a really big BUT, man with a hat) Who really cares about the other person's view? I can almost 'see' you fall back in shock, wipe your brow in horror. You are the one who wants to see the other side's perspective so here goes:

I think you are wrong because I know I am smarter than you. How do I know this? Well look at the stupid question you asked.

I think you are wrong because you say I should not INSIST on what I believe. WHY? I am cute, I am clever, why shouldn't I insist? You may say no, but generally people say yes if I smile or insist, enough.

Don't believe me? Go to any large department store, council building or restaurant and try it. Those who complain loudest always get what they want. They always get the best of everything. From top alpha male to the most succulent lobster.

Am I going to look at the other person's view? Yes I will look but it is obviously wrong because it is not the same as mine. My views are based on facts, and research and a good bit of opinion thrown in too. BUT (another BIG BUT, man in hat cute face though) I know that you have not done your research. So I will challenge your research. It doesn't really matter whether my facts are wrong or right. As long as I can shout louder than you then I WIN. Easy.

Not Fair? Look at the legal system, the political system, the health care system, any man made system you like and tell me I am wrong. You can't because I can shout louder than you That's why I get the Alpha Male and the lobster.

Finally, I definitely know you are WRONG. Why? Who would take someone seriously who wears a hat as stupid as that?

Rest my case.

You want to consider my perspective now? Yes? BUT (the last but man in hat) It will only be to think like I do so you can peeve me off, or how to manipulate me, or how to reverse the situation so you get what you want and probably to vent your anger.

Now do you want to consider my opinion. Thought not. Rest my case.

Answer 3

Hi Seth. Just some thoughts from my own personal perspectives . The book of James is very interesting book -:) If you check in the Greek 3056 lexicon the word " Word" here is the same WORD that was mentioned in John 1:1... it is 'logos" Also the very interesting thing is the actual Greek word for a do-er is SPEAK or speaker. So, I believe since the audience of the book of James was addressed to the scattered 12 tribes of Israel, James was encouraging his Jewish brothers to " SPEAK" about Christ and His finished work. . My understating here is the brother was exhorting his fellow Jewish brothers to not be only hearers and but, also be speakers of the WORD. Don't keep quiet due to the heavy persecution of the Roman Empire ( my emphasis) It is really interesting the book of James confused lots of people. As you might remember, even Martin Luther attempted to take the book of James out of the Bible because he thought it would contradict the revelation of Paul Justification by faith only as it sounds it contradicts pauline's gospel. But... when my eyes opened to it, I learned that the book of James really compliments Pauline's Gospel of Grace.-:) Yes, I understand and we all know that, brother James was a funny fella ha ha... and he compromised the gospel ( some where in the book of Acts - I can't remember where now) but, there are some nuggets we can get our of his Epistles. Just my opinion. Have a great day-:)

Answer 4

Yes, absolutely, at least for me. Im a Christian but I have considered what other people believe and where they are coming from. For me at least I have always believed in God and Jesus but I have known people who have either always been Atheists because of upbringing or have turned away from God because of one reason or another. I have also known people of different religions such as Muslims. I admit that I dont study other religions and faiths that much simply because I am so faithful in what I believe, but that being said I think it is the same way for others either Atheists or other faiths because I think they are equally passionate about their beliefs.

Answer 5

I have been on the other side and saw the perspective of the opposite side. I saw myself as intolerant and irrational, so I packed and moved away.

Answer 6

I agree with Bonai Bobby. And I researched all of the dominate religions in America before I made my decision to become a Christian.

Answer 7

Yep.

I tried.
It was like trying to live a normal life while looking through a kaleidoscope. It was pretty 'n all.... but it is bloody difficult to see what is going on around you when your line of vision has been bounced off two mirrors and through a few pieces of coloured plastic and sequins.

Christianity is all about trying to make things pretty and distract from what is actually there... and they try to redefine the word "truth" to apply to their own bizarre visions in order to justify them.
Life without Jesus might not be pretty... but it is a whole lot more consistant and practical.

Answer 8

Yes I was a Christian for 18 years of my life.

Answer 9

I have. Both sides need certainty and identity. Partly the way they were raised and partly, they are the right types to cling to and accept what they've been taught.

Answer 10

Yes . In fact it helps me gain knowledge. I love the Atheists they make me think