The terrorist attacks in Paris have heightened discussions on how to deal with ISIS, immigration, and other national security issues. These very subjects are already dominating the G20 Summit.
As you read various blogs, tweets, etc. on social media, you'll notice that widely divergent views exist even among conservative evangelical Christians. That's because the Bible does not give us black-and-white answers on national security issues, at least not explicitly as it does on other matters like abortion or same-sex marriage. The fact is, a number of biblical principles come into play, and they must all be given due consideration. The wise person will seek to formulate his or her views based on the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 20:27).
With this in mind, I'd like to suggest three ways to promote and profit from Christian interaction on these issues:
1. Appreciate the value of dialogue.
The New Oxford American Dictionary defines dialogue as "a discussion between two or more people or groups, esp. one toward exploration of a particular subjects or resolution of a problem." Based on this definition, dialogue is a good thing - and we must not lose sight of that. Rightly done, dialogue increases understanding, strengthens relationships, and increases critical thinking and decision-making. On the other hand, "a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion" (Proverbs 18:2).
2. Ask questions.
The previous point concerns our attitude; this second point has to do with our actual approach. If we truly value dialogue, we will look for opportunities to ask questions rather than merely to spout off answers. I already hold my present perspective on an issue because of certain information I have or assumptions I've made. Since the goal of dialogue is to explore an issue more thoroughly to improve our understanding and/or to resolve a problem, then we are best served by seeing the issue(s) from another person's vantage point.
Dr. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, provides a good example of looking at an issue from two different sides in his recent blog article, "Should We Pray for the Defeat of ISIS, or Their Conversion?" Therein he writes, "we sometimes forget that we are called to be a people of both justice and justification, and that these two are not contradictory."
We have much to learn by listening. "Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent" (Proverbs 17:28). That is to say, even if we don't get where another person's coming from, we'll still appear perceptive and wise simply because we were willing to listen!
3. Communicate graciously.
Scripture calls us as believers in Christ to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders.... Let your speech always be seasoned with salt..." (Colossians 4:5a, 6a). If this is how Christians are to interact with nonChristians, how much more should we treat our fellow believers with courtesy and respect? "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). Specifically, we are called to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). Even after we ask questions, and it's time for us to share our thoughts on a given matter, we must make sure that we do so in a manner that is consistent with Scripture - not only in terms of our content (what we say) but in terms of our tone (how we say it).
As you read various blogs, tweets, etc. on social media, you'll notice that widely divergent views exist even among conservative evangelical Christians. That's because the Bible does not give us black-and-white answers on national security issues, at least not explicitly as it does on other matters like abortion or same-sex marriage. The fact is, a number of biblical principles come into play, and they must all be given due consideration. The wise person will seek to formulate his or her views based on the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 20:27).
With this in mind, I'd like to suggest three ways to promote and profit from Christian interaction on these issues:
1. Appreciate the value of dialogue.
The New Oxford American Dictionary defines dialogue as "a discussion between two or more people or groups, esp. one toward exploration of a particular subjects or resolution of a problem." Based on this definition, dialogue is a good thing - and we must not lose sight of that. Rightly done, dialogue increases understanding, strengthens relationships, and increases critical thinking and decision-making. On the other hand, "a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion" (Proverbs 18:2).
2. Ask questions.
The previous point concerns our attitude; this second point has to do with our actual approach. If we truly value dialogue, we will look for opportunities to ask questions rather than merely to spout off answers. I already hold my present perspective on an issue because of certain information I have or assumptions I've made. Since the goal of dialogue is to explore an issue more thoroughly to improve our understanding and/or to resolve a problem, then we are best served by seeing the issue(s) from another person's vantage point.
Dr. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, provides a good example of looking at an issue from two different sides in his recent blog article, "Should We Pray for the Defeat of ISIS, or Their Conversion?" Therein he writes, "we sometimes forget that we are called to be a people of both justice and justification, and that these two are not contradictory."
We have much to learn by listening. "Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent" (Proverbs 17:28). That is to say, even if we don't get where another person's coming from, we'll still appear perceptive and wise simply because we were willing to listen!
Scripture calls us as believers in Christ to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders.... Let your speech always be seasoned with salt..." (Colossians 4:5a, 6a). If this is how Christians are to interact with nonChristians, how much more should we treat our fellow believers with courtesy and respect? "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). Specifically, we are called to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). Even after we ask questions, and it's time for us to share our thoughts on a given matter, we must make sure that we do so in a manner that is consistent with Scripture - not only in terms of our content (what we say) but in terms of our tone (how we say it).
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- Ephesians 4:29
Let all that you do be done in love.
- 1 Corinthians 16:14
I saw two well-respected Christian brothers exemplify such a spirit earlier today in their conversation on the refugee crisis. Trevin Wax (Managing Editor of The Gospel Project) and Denny Burk (Professor of Biblical Studies at Boyce College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) engaged in a helpful dialogue over Trevin's recent article in The Washington Post titled, "Should We Really Close the Border to Refugees? Here's Why Fear Drives Out Compassion." At the bottom of this post I've pasted a copy of their dialogue on Twitter. I would encourage you to read it.
Furthermore, in closing, I invite you to share any comments you might have on this whole subject of Christian dialogue. Why not take this opportunity to put these principles into practice?
- @DennyBurk Depends on how feasible. For some it is already life-or-death. I want prudence for security & compassion, not an excuse for fear.
- @TrevinWax 20 refugees apply to US for asylum. 10 are women and children. 10 are single men in their 20's. Let them all in on their word?
- @DennyBurk Of course not. That wouldn't be prudent or wise. If terrorists use hospitals and civilians as shields, they'll use refugees too.
- @DennyBurk But we don't shut down our hospitals or close off compassion completely out of fear of what might happen. Prudence + courage.
- @TrevinWax What our govt must not do is allow a policy that says, "We accept all refugees on their word and release them into the homeland."
- @DennyBurk @TrevinWax I agree with Denny. Accepting refugees solely based on thier word, how is that showing compassion to Americans?
- @TrevinWax @wcvjude3 I don't have a solution. But I do think our government has to take responsibility for every refugee that it receives.
- @DennyBurk @wcvjude3 I don't disagree with you on the legitimate security risks. Prudent compassion, though, not fear as motivator.
Denny Burk 
Trevin Wax 
WCV