Do you disagree?
I hope you do.
Disagreement is essential to constructive conversation.
Without disagreement there can be no growth down here on the earth.
Do you know how to disagree constructively and effectively?
I want to do so and I find these points to be immensely helpful.
They are from a review and summary of Mortimer Adler’s classic, How to Read a Book.
The rules and principles are couched in terms of reading a book but they work just as well for hearing a sermon or having a discussion.
I find myself in my fair share of disagreements. If you listen to teaching and interact with others in life and ministry then you will too.
If I can keep these (or some principles like them) in mind then I trust that those with whom I disagree just might find my disagreement helpful to them.
General Maxims of Intellectual Etiquette
Rule: You must be able to say, with reasonable certainty, “I understand,” before you can say any one of the following things: “I agree,” or “I disagree,” or “I suspend judgment.” Do not begin criticism until you have completed your outline and your interpretation of the book.
Rule: When you disagree, do so reasonably, and not disputatiously or contentiously.
Rule: Respect the difference between knowledge and mere personal opinion, by giving reasons for any critical judgment you make.
Special Criteria for Points of Criticism
Show wherein the author is uninformed.
Show wherein the author is misinformed.
Show wherein the author is illogical.
Show wherein the author’s analysis or account is incomplete.
What Adler is advising, essentially, is this: take the time to really understand.
If you think a point of view is wrong take the time to consider why and how.
Then you will be ready to disagree in a way that is constructive and informative.