One of the greatest freedoms we have in the United States is that of free speech, and to publicly disagree with various ideas we may encounter (click here to read the Bill of Rights). With this freedom comes the responsibility to live peaceably with those who hold different opinions, and to be able to cooperate with them on certain levels.

In recent times, however, disagreeing with someone's outlook on life has often been equated with arrogance or narrow-mindedness. Admittedly, many who have held strong opinions on what life is all about have been less than kind to those who had a different perspective.

One way some people have successfully avoided unpleasant exchanges is by standing for little if anything. They may have lots of friends, but their lives are bereft of any real meaning.

Another way is the "let's agree to disagree" approach. After all, if we interact with others who espouse a different view than our own, we risk getting entangled in heated discussions or even worse. To prevent this from occurring, therefore, maybe we should avoid all contact with those of different views--just to be on the safe side. But then we would be deprived of the benefit of constructive interactions with them.

On the other hand, if we are willing to interact with others on issues on which a difference of opinion exists, we potentially have a way of testing our own views and of correcting the views of others. What if such issues turn out to not be important? What if we don't care whether we're right or wrong? Well, look at it this way: what if it does indeed matter? What if it makes a big difference whether we're right or wrong about a given issue? Also, how would we know unless we put serious effort into these things?

Based on the above, I submit that it is in everyone's best interest to allow differing views to be voiced, ideas to be exchanged, and issues debated in an orderly, respectful, constructive manner. In case objective truth is knowable, and in case it has great relevance to our well-being, let's give it an opportunity to be known and understood.

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