Hearing Both Sides – Proverbs 18:17

Classroom.synonym.com has an excellent article on types of propaganda.  They list

• Name Calling,
• Glittering Generalities (slogans or simple catchphrases involving ideas of love, honor, glory, patriotism, that say little and cannot be proved or disproved),
• Transfer (associating an idea of theirs with a revered symbol, like the flag),
• Testimonial,
• Plain Folks (I’m just like you),
• Bandwagon (creating the illusion that widespread support exists for their side), and
• Card Stacking (using only those facts that support their ideas). 

You have to be a discerning listener not to be swayed by these tactics.

The one who states his case first seems right,

until the other comes and examines him. (Proverbs 18:17, ESV)

I have learned, sometimes the hard way, the truth of this proverb while counseling numerous couples through the years about their marriages.  There is, as they say, his story, her story, and the right story.  It is often hard for one person to make the case for the other person’s viewpoint as rigorously as he makes his or her own case.

The same is true for anyone presenting their viewpoint, whether that is doctrinal, political or personal.  But I have also found that there are two kinds of people who are able to best make their case: the propagandist and the fair presentationist.

The propagandist uses emotional arguments that often play to ones prejudices or is able to be the most entertaining in the presentation of his or her case.  Christopher Hitchens was an atheist who did public debates about Christianity.  His arguments were terrible from a strictly logical and factual standpoint, but his British accent and his use of humor and wit often “won” the debate for him.  President Trump has used much the same approach.

The fair presentationist seeks to show the opposing view or views to his or her case and answer real objections with solid answers and defenses for his or her case.  This takes a lot longer, requires more preparation and real thinking, more interaction with opposing views and feeling the weight of those views, and requires more of the listener.  The lazy listener ruled by emotion will not appreciate this approach.  But the thoughtful person will be more disposed to embrace the view of the fair presentationist because the thoughtful person will know that there is no simple or one-sided perspective to one’s case.

The problem with the fair presentationist view is that it makes the presenter more open to changing his or her mind.  As he or she examines the opposing views and feels their weight, he or she may be converted to a view other than their original one.  The problem with the propagandist presentation is that it leaves the presenter often guilty of maintaining his or her viewpoint despite the evidence (they become hypocrites) and leaves the listeners susceptible to the next propagandist who has a better emotional appeal.