on technicalities

just an hour earlier, i literally had one of the rides of my life... okay maybe i'm exaggerating a little, but i really hope i learn my lesson for life!

it's the end of a long day (especially so for me, since i've been having problems coaxing myself to stop doodling around and go sleep), and Alvin was kind enough to drive us halfway around Singapore and send 5 of us home after the MM picnic. unfortunately, the few of us from CAW banner painting had earlier on accidentally (or not!) drifted onto my pet topic of SG politics, and i was still in the mood for argument...

well, suffice to say, i learnt that i'm still not very good at listening to another person's argument. or to be specific, i may have heard some of it, but i end up dismissing someone else's argument using a completely unnecessary sardonic tone. i may like irony, but when i use it on others in this manner, i should be hit with a block of iron!

either ways, another point did surface: many arguments (incl. those that end up affirming major decisions in people's lives) are predicated on terms that have subtle double-meanings. these under-appreciated technicalities often make or break the argument; and often, also the camaraderie which may have existed prior to the point. if the argumenters agree on technical definitions, it can save plenty of empty arguing, which often degenerates into a form of quid pro quo ad hominem. context really is everything!

like today's gospel: Jesus heals a leper who simply falls face down in front of Him and begs Him to cure his leprosy. many an atheist might ask: why then does God not cure everyone? why does He cure a leper who begs Him, but leave thousands upon thousands of other sick and suffering people to their own devices? is it because He felt good when He was begged? of course not! some technical definitions include: it was not just any form of begging - the leper identified Jesus as the Son of God who could heal him if He chose to; Jesus knows the beggar's life, heart and mind thoroughly and He also knew how His healing him is in accordance with the will of God; leprosy was also not entirely a physically painful affliction, but pain from the cold ostracism of the Jewish community, which Jesus came to reform with His message of love. with these 3 points of context, the characters of both Jesus and the leper are fleshed out and their exchange no longer one of mere "begging" and "receiving", but one of "submission" and "mission".

in making an argument really work, instead of merely argument for argument's sake, one ought to be aware of technicalities, empathising with the opposing argumenter and listen to hear his/er point - not simply because one can pick up weak arguments and turn them inside out at his/er expense, but because basic respect is one simple presentation of the love which should motivate all arguments.

argue for the love of God! not for the love of arguing or winning!