WE have to convince ourselves that the best way to resolve
our unavoidable differences and conflicts in the area of politics,
social life, and other fields prone to contention and controversies,
is for us to always engage in civil discourse, in cordial dialogue.
We have to avoid as much as possible engaging in
discussions where we think our views and positions are the only
correct ones, the only fair ones, etc., and those of the others have
no validity whatsoever. That’s definitely the wrong way to look at
things.
It’s unbelievable that some politicians, for example,
claim that they have all the truth, that they are practically
infallible about their views and ways, and that their opponents have
nothing whatsoever of what may be considered as true and fair.
We need to listen to everyone, no matter how different and
even in conflict their views are from ours. They will also have some
good reason for their opinions and we just have to learn to respect
them.
Even in their clearly wrong views, as in being immoral and
sinful, they can always be handled properly without sacrificing
charity, since evil can only have a power that is borrowed from what
pertains to its corresponding good. All we have to do to rebut evil is
to appeal to the good and the truth that is being distorted or denied.
It’s important that we presume that everyone has good
intentions. We have to avoid calling to question the intentions behind
the views of others, unless it can be clearly ascertained that there
is malice.
And even if that is the case, it should be brought up in
as cordial a manner as possible. To be avoided are the ways of sarcasm
and ironies, direct, frontal attacks, insults and mockeries,
name-calling, etc. In other words, to respond without charity. charity
and good manners should never be abandoned.
Let’s never forget what Christ told us about loving our
enemies. St. Paul reiterated that point when he said, “Do not repay
anyone evil for evil…If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge…but leave room for
God’s wrath…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
(Rom 12,17-21) St. Peter also said something similar. (cfr. 1 Pt 3,9)
While we can have our partisan position in political
issues, we have to remember that such condition should not undermine
our universal goal for the common good that can be pursued in
different and even in legitimately and morally conflicting ways.
Let’s not forget that temporal matters, as in politics,
can follow some political doctrines that at best can only have a
tentative effectivity and varying interpretations, and are always in
need of updating, purifying and contextualizing.
These temporal matters hardly have dogmas where everyone
is supposed to agree and to follow all the time. Temporal matters do
not have the same status as religious faith and creed. And even in the
latter, their dogmas are not supposed to be forced on anyone.
We all have to create the proper environment and
atmosphere for a civil discourse, a cordial dialogue to take place.
This is especially incumbent on our leaders, both the civil and the
spiritual. Everything should be done to keep this environment as it
should be—clean, open, welcoming, always working for unity.
The different actors and parties should do their part. The
media especially should be fair and balanced in monitoring the
developments. Everyone should have a clear idea of what can be
tolerated and what not in the exchanges of opinions. Everyone should
agree that some compromises may have to be made to reach a certain
consensus, so everyone can move on.
There has to be some set of ground rules that everyone
should accept. Of course, these ground rules may also be modified as
we go along, but such modification should also be done gradually, not
violently!
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