Are we in an Emotional Age?

As I was sorting through the mail today, I noticed the cover of Answers in Genesis magazine, Answers Update, titled "The Emotional Age Issue". The article describes how leading atheists including reporters, speakers and instructors are tolerant of religion topics as long as they accept evolution. Emotions begin to rise if there is a debate or rebuttal of any kind.

It reminded me of my book club discussion last night. The particular issue I am referring to was over spanking. We all had similar experiences in past discussions when spanking was the topic. No matter what the religious views may have been a person's opinions on spanking were expressed with great emotion.

This high emotion in debates can sometimes lead to blasts of demeaning or other hurtful comments. In my daughters speech and debate class they are taught to state as many facts as possible. In the book The Thinking Toolbox one of the first chapters explains the differences between a discussion, a disagreement, an argument, and a fight. In a discussion both parties agree. The opposite is true in a disagreement, but both parties are calm and civil in conversation. In an argument evidence is used to convince an opposing view. The debate, conversation or other becomes a fight when insults are hurled or mocking is used.

Over the course of history topics on evolution, abortion, and other wanted freedoms have been heated topics of discussion and even led to war. Marriages, friendships and family ties are broken when insults and mocking are used. I don't mean there isn't a time to stand up for your beliefs and with passion, but when did cutting remarks ever win any one over? Wouldn't a dose of humility and common courtesy go much further? I don't think the great debater Paul ever won any arguments by insulting the Gentiles or the Pharisees. Even most parents will ask their children "to start over when they can use an appropriate tone and kinder words."

"to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."
Titus 3:2 (NIV)

"For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action."
2 Corinthians 9:2 (NIV)

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
Philippians 2:3 (NIV)