The unique event was live-streamed directly from Facebook Headquarters.Among people of faith, Bishop Robert Barron is known for his ability to reach a wide audience with his engaging manner and insightful, instructive evangelization. Yesterday he took his message to a more secular venue, when he gave a lecture at Facebook headquarters.
His title of his talk was, “How to Have a Religious Argument” and it focused on finding a pathway towards a civil discussion about religion — one that engages reason on both sides.
Barron began, “Every day, millions of people argue about religion on social media. The comboxes of religious and atheist sites are among the most visited and the most heated in the virtual space.”
“But what I find interesting is how few people really know how to have a good religious argument. Lots of energy, lots of sharp words, and lots of strong feelings are expressed. But rarely do we come across productive, rational argument about religion.”
Barron makes the point that an argument is not necessarily a negative thing, and that when done respectfully — as when an interlocutor takes the time to repeat a point back to an opponent to demonstrate that the opponent’s point is truly understood — can yield constructive discussion.
“In my talk, I’ll pave a way forward, showing how we all, believer and nonbeliever alike, can share better religious discussions.” He does just that.
Watch the entire lecture below or on Bishop Barron’s Facebook Page.
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