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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Happy "Day of Dialogue"

I didn't know about this until I read about it on Friendly Atheist but today is the "Day of Dialogue." Here's how it's described on Day of Dialogue.
As a high school or college student, do you wish your classmates could hear more of the story—like the truth about God’s deep love for us and what the Bible really says about His redemptive design for marriage and sexuality? Wouldn’t it be nice if a deeper and freer conversation could happen when controversial sexual topics are brought up in your school?

The good news is, it can—and that’s where Day of Dialogue® comes in.

In contrast to the whole idea of silence, this is a day that encourages open dialogue.

Because Focus on the Family firmly believes that the truth will rise to the surface when honest conversations are allowed to happen. And that’s why we’re so excited to announce that we’ve become the sponsor for this event.

The Day of Dialogue gives you, as a student, the opportunity to express the true model presented by Jesus Christ in the Bible—who didn’t back away from speaking truth, but neither held back in pouring out His incredible, compassionate love for hurting and vulnerable people. His example calls us to stand up for those being harmed or bullied while offering the light of what God’s Word says.

And the event gives you a chance to express this balanced perspective in a loving and peaceful way. So be sure to mark your calendars for the 2012 Day of Dialogue—Thursday, April 19, 2012—and make plans to participate in your school or college. Register today! And then join us on our Facebook page for updates & info
The Bible shows us that God honored humans by making us in his own image, male and female. God designed men and women to be different and to complement one another. Our masculinity and femininity reflects things about God’s character. Justice and mercy. Strength and beauty. Nurture and Protection. So being male or female isn’t just about biology or cultural stereotypes. Masculine and feminine characteristics reflect something much deeper—attributes of God that resonate in the core being of our souls and personalities.
Some groups have even made out cards they can give to gays and lesbians inviting them to have a conversation about Jesus and their sexuality. That promoted this cartoon on Friendly Atheist [A Response to the Day of Dialogue].
Looking forward to seeing how this plays out on my campus. I'm afraid the Christians might be in for a bit of bullying for being such idiots.


6 comments :

MH said...

Why do they call it the day of "dialogue"? The description doesn't say anything about listening to other people or trying to learn from their views. On the contrary, they assume from the get-go that they already have all the right answers. Sounds more like a day of propagation.

K said...

"Day Of Proselytising"

I'm all for honest dialogue, I doubt it can actually happen.

Matt G said...

The Bible doesn't show anything - it just makes a lot of unsubstantiated claims. I'm reminded of the Mark Twain quote: "It is better to keep one's mouth shut and appear stupid, than to open it and remove all doubt."

Blondin said...

I think they should combine the Day of Dialogue with International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Anonymous said...

Wasn't this designed as a response to response to the planned "Day of Silence", sponsored by Gay-Straight Alliance Clubs? See the following:

http://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/bully-pulpit-religious-right-howls-over-student-%E2%80%98day-of-silence%E2%80%99

Clif said...

How is a Day of Dialogue such a bad idea? Christians are always accused of running away from the hard questions, so what is the problem with having a day where both sides agree to talk? You are right when you see such a discussion as a two sides talking at each other, but the real point is not really the conversion of those arguing; the real point is to persuade those who listen. As a scientist, shouldn't the basis of knowledge rest on seeking after the truth without presupposition? This search for truth would be founded in the scientific method. But often atheists will call Christian idiots, failing in their generalizations to consider that many Christians are thoughtful people who would really enjoy and participate well in an open dialogue. However, if either side expects those arguing points with one another to be changed, they would seem to be ignorant of the fact that if someone believes in something enough to argue it in public that they will generally be unwilling to accept any position other than their own, for the sake of saving face. So calling Christians idiots for trying to support a Day of Dialogue is an overgeneralization and is unfair to anyone with scientific roots. Rather, those of a scientific background ought not be afraid of being challenged in public.