Agree to Disagree

“Truth does not become more true by virtue of the fact that the entire world agrees with it, nor less so even if the whole world disagrees with it.” ~From The Guide for the Perplexed by Moses Maimonides (משה בן מימון), medieval Jewish philosopher (1135-1204)

The shooting was over in less than 7 seconds. The weapon was a 22-caliber “Saturday Night Special” purchased clandestinely from Rocky’s Pawn Shop. It happened in the open street in broad daylight. The first slug took Bear in the head. The “Devastator” brand cartridge exploded on impact. The second shot struck Thomas in the neck. A third round went wide shattering a window, shards of glass exploding into the street. 

At that moment, Timothy threw his body in front of Ronnie and took a round in the stomach. A fifth shot shattered the window of a parked car. Ronnie was hit by the sixth and final round. It was a ricochet, hitting him under his arm, perforating a lung and lodging near his heart. 

Now Ronnie was lying in a hospital bed. The doctors had said it was “touch and go,” which is doctor-speak for “not good.” His eyes fluttered open. There, standing over him, was his old rival, TP.

For a moment he panicked, wondering what he was doing there. Then TP spoke. “I just wanted to stop by to see how you were doing,” he said quietly. “Can I pray with you?” he asked his old enemy.  Ronnie nodded. They prayed together briefly. Then TP quietly left the room. 

Ronnie slipped back into unconsciousness. 

THE REST OF THE STORY:

After the assassination attempt on his life, President Ronald Reagan was in far worse condition than reported to the public. Shortly after the shooting, Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neill appeared in Reagan’s hospital room. Reagan and O’Neill had been long time combatants, opposing each other on a number of issues. However, regardless of the volatility of the issue, they had always continued to keep the lines of communication open. 

Tip entered the room and walked to Reagan's bedside, took hold of both his hands and knelt. "Thanks for coming, Tip," President whispered.The two recited the 23rd Psalm together. Tip stood, kissed Reagan on the forehead and said. “I don’t want to keep you from your rest.” Then he quietly left the room.

It is said that “if we always agree, then one of us is unnecessary.” In other words, those who disagree with us are necessary, perhaps even vital. They help us form, refine, validate, and sometimes redirect our ideas and beliefs. However, to have a fruitful exchange with others requires mutual respect and the willingness to enter into conversation, discussion, and even debate.

Those who disagree with us are not always our enemies, nor are those who agree with us necessarily our friends. However, in a society where staunch individualism reigns supreme, we have tied our opinions tightly to our egos and have come to believe that to change one means to sacrifice the other. 

The result is that we discover ourselves defending our ideas to the bitter end, no matter what, even when we have long-before realized we were wrong.  Ultimately, polarization occurs and all parties involved choose to demonize the other. People with differing ideas become heretics. In the end, rather than working for the common good, we commit our energies to individual destruction and work at making sure the other person or group doesn’t succeed. 

But, if we resist thoughtfully engaging those ideas with which we disagree, how will we ever acquire deeper insight into what we believe? In reality, it is often those things which challenge our convictions outright which are most worth hearing.  

Some of the greatest moments in history have come when debate and discussion brought about a united front. A case in point is our own Declaration of Independence. The discussions were often emotional and heated, but the result is undeniable. The vote had to be unanimous to pass the document and the result was a new country was formed. 

The story of Tip O’Neill and Ronald Reagan vividly illustrates how deeply these political giants recognized and honored their shared humanity, despite their stark political and philosophical differences. All that we share as human beings and all the differences that define and seem to divide us are also gifts of God of which we must be good stewards. 

Hold your enemies close. That way, it’s easier to hear what they are saying. 

Dear God, remind me of the times I need to keep my mind open and my mouth shut.

“Christianity supplies a Hell for the people who disagree with you and a Heaven for your friends.” ~Elbert Hubbard, American editor, publisher and writer (1856-1915)

©2012 James E. Carper. All rights reserved.
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