Have you ever wished you could just have a simple, non-confrontational conversation on the topic of faith? Do you often feel intimidated to discuss your walk with Christ in different situations, or especially in groups of other believers? We I have and I want to say you’re not alone.

When I decided to take on the insurmountable task of writing about my convictions, my passion for the Lord, and the word I found it was a bit more trying than I thought it would be. You see I have been on a journey to find answers to questions nobody conventionally was able to answer within the faith community. Questions I thought should have answers to, but nobody seemed to want to discuss.

Now that have found answers to many of the things I found perplexing, I am now finding it difficult to discuss those subjects with others in the faith. I am often met with a turning away ,or a flat out refusal to discuss such topics in depth. So, this left me wondering if a healthy discourse is even possible. Well, it is don’t you agree? Especially, when conducted with a mindset of understanding, and a desire to growth spiritually.

When people speak of “fellowship” I often wonder what they mean by that. Do they want to just “hang out” and chat about nothing? Do they want to really do a forensic study of God’s word? Or maybe they are just being kind, and could really care less about doing anything at all? Does this sound familiar? Have you come across people like this in your walk of faith as well? If yes, then how does that make you feel? I don’t know about you, but it makes me feel uncomfortable, and unsure.

I desire a deep, and meaningful fellowship with others. I love nothing better than a deep forensic study where we break the word down into its very essence. To find the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the passage. I love the whole history behind the words. There is nothing better to me than to crack open the Bible and dig in deep, and connect on a personal level. Then, while the thoughts and ideas are still fresh in my mind, to then have an intense, thought provoking discussion on what it means, and how what we just studied all applies. What’s so wrong with that?

So just exactly what does it take to have a healthy discourse anyway? Does everyone have to agree? Does everyone have to be of the same opinion? Should we argue until we are blue in the face? Are we right or are we wrong? Just what is the definition of “discourse”? According to the American Hertiage dictionary, “discourse” is:

noun

1. Verbal expression in speech or writing.political discourse.
2. Verbal exchange or conversation.listened to their discourse on foreign policy.
3. A formal, lengthy treatment of a subject, either written or spoken.
4. (Archaic) The process or power of reasoning.

intransitive verb

To narrate or discuss.

To speak or write formally and at length. synonym: speak.

To engage in conversation or discussion; converse.

I do not see any mention of hostile, critical, or aggressive in the description above, yet so many times I find discussions on topics of faith are very much contentious. They can become down right toxic needlessly…in my opinion. If we are to study, and learn don’t we also need to be open to ideas, and new understanding?
2 Timothy 2:15-

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” NKJV

Now that we have established what the definition of discourse is, how do we define “healthy”? That’s a great question. I have recently begun to ask people what their definition of certain things are rather than presume we are in agreement in that understanding. Should we really differ so much to warrant having to prequalify, or pre-quantify what we are going to be discussing? How did we, as supposedly enlightening beings, get so far off track? How do we get back to a balanced understanding?

If you’re like me you may feel as though the word “healthy” is obvious. However, depending on someone’s background , or life experiences their idea of healthy can take on a whole new set of issues for them.

…So, this left me wondering if a healthy discourse is even possible. My hope is that we can agree on one simple idea: that “healthy” in the context of discourse should be positive, non-toxic, non-abusive, and non-violent. It’s about being productive, thoughtful, and engaging, and allowing for the sharing of thoughts, teachings, and questions. Most importantly, it’s about extending grace to one another—grace for those who are unfamiliar with our ground rules, and grace for those who are hurting and may not be aware of how their outward expression of that hurt comes across. With grace, we can all grow together.

This then brings to mind how to moderate such a discourse? How does one know they have entered into a so called “healthy” discourse? Well, I submit that setting up ground rules for engagement as I have posted on my X posts regarding the expectations on comments. Making it very clear up front how the discourse will go as far as comments, or discussions. Willingness of the community to moderate and protect others. Have I miss anything, or suggestions that would help to foster a positive environment that you can think of?

After all, we all come from different places, different backgrounds, different life experiences, and waypoints along the walk of faith. Why not journey together in love and friendship? How many passages can you think of that bears all this to mind? What does a healthy discourse look like to you? Let’s talk…in a healthy way of course. Feel free to post comments below, or on X.

As always, all my love in Christ Jesus. May we make this journey of faith together in love, and compassion for one another.

Annie 🙂