Dialectical Reasoning

Dialectical Reasoning

So he 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. - Acts 17:17

The word 'reason' in the Greek is actually dialectical reasoning. This is the process of giving and receiving information with someone to reach deeper understanding. It is usually applied to get a conclusion across.

Apostle Paul often used dialectical reasoning to bring the Gospel truth to the hearers (Acts 17:2; 17:17; 18:4; 18:14; 18:19; 19:8; 19:9; 24:25), instead of mere one-way preaching.

𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐞. Therefore, a person holding the truth has full confidence to engage in dialectical reasoning. In Christianity, dialectical reasoning leads to true growth in the life of believers. Unfortunately, it is seldom applied.

A person with fear will not want to engage in dialectical reasoning, either because he does not hold the truth or he's afraid to be wrong. It could also be that he simply wants to be right and stick to his opinion. Hence, applying one-way preaching works best for him.

This often takes place both in church and in a non-democratic society. It enables whatever process that is needed to move fast without opposition and questions.

However, just like students learn better through facilitation and dialectical reasoning, believers only truly grow in understanding by engaging in the same approach. Likewise, a society only grows in maturity in the same way.

Yes, there might be unpleasant and heated arguments along the way. And the process will be slowed down. But it's not about moving fast, it's about moving deep and moving far.

Do we have short-sighted Christianity or insightful Christianity? It depends on what we engage in.

P.S: I'm not against preaching. There is a place for it. But dialectical reasoning should be the main course.