Most people don't change their minds much. And when they do, it's not because they've thought carefully about the reasons for and against, but because they are persuaded by constant repetition of a different view.
Is this what happened to me? Did I only change my mind because a change in my circumstances meant I was persuaded by constant repetition of the opposing view? For, only few months after school I found myself living with otherwise friendly, rational young women who actually held (and lived) the position I loved to ridicule. Imagine my shock! Consider my horror to find intelligent people, at university even, who claimed the bible taught that there was a difference between men and women and that this would have an impact on their roles in everyday life and in the church.
But gradually, I came around to their point of view.
Were there actually good reasons to change my mind, or did I just come to believe and teach the same things as my new friends without thinking? Was it all just part of belonging to this new group, of going along with the new crowd? Did I just want to be liked, to enjoy their approval? Will I change my mind again given another change in circumstances?
This series arises from my desire to set out some of the reasons why I hold to the “complementary” view about women and men. It is to help me (and hopefully you) think more clearly about the arguments, to be persuaded by truth and not circumstance, and to be honest about my doubts and what I am not sure about.
I hope that you will join with me as I think through this. I only ask, given the nature of the debate, that you be gentle in your comments, with me and with each other.
Is this what happened to me? Did I only change my mind because a change in my circumstances meant I was persuaded by constant repetition of the opposing view? For, only few months after school I found myself living with otherwise friendly, rational young women who actually held (and lived) the position I loved to ridicule. Imagine my shock! Consider my horror to find intelligent people, at university even, who claimed the bible taught that there was a difference between men and women and that this would have an impact on their roles in everyday life and in the church.
But gradually, I came around to their point of view.
Were there actually good reasons to change my mind, or did I just come to believe and teach the same things as my new friends without thinking? Was it all just part of belonging to this new group, of going along with the new crowd? Did I just want to be liked, to enjoy their approval? Will I change my mind again given another change in circumstances?
This series arises from my desire to set out some of the reasons why I hold to the “complementary” view about women and men. It is to help me (and hopefully you) think more clearly about the arguments, to be persuaded by truth and not circumstance, and to be honest about my doubts and what I am not sure about.
I hope that you will join with me as I think through this. I only ask, given the nature of the debate, that you be gentle in your comments, with me and with each other.
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