I read a lot of things on Facebook that come from Christians but seem to be completely opposed to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Mostly, I scroll past without responding. These are my elders, or my neighbors, or both. They have been trained to ignore any evidence that negates what they and their fellow evangelicals already believe. Engaging with them will only strain our relationship without moving them. If I really want to push back, I need to do it in person and with more grace than can be conveyed on social media.
Recently, however, I have responded a couple of times to a retired minister. I have known him via the internet for years and we have met a few times in real life. I like him. He's a thoughtful person. When we think we come to different conclusions, but he's at least thinking and not parroting the "ain't it awful" voices that are influencing so many evangelicals these days.
My pastor friend is concerned about what is happening in the U.S. right now, as am I. We have different ideas about the cause and remedy, but similar concerns that society is in a downward spiral that is likely to bring even more disaster on us than we're already seeing. His advice is to prepare for the future in terms of "food, finances, and protection." I could have picked any of the three to discuss, but chose to push back specifically against the finance part, asking where he plans to store his wealth in a collapsing society. I pointed out that Jesus taught us NOT to store up wealth. I ended my post with these words:
I wish I were closer than I am to following the teachings of Jesus, but I can at least consider the direction I need to go to reach that goal and it's not a bigger bank account or more stores in better-secured bigger barns.
Needless to say, my friend did not respond with awe for my amazing insight and amend his advice. He dug in deeper. Part of me would have loved to continue the conversation, to try to back him into a corner, but there was no point. I needed to move on rather than beating my head against a wall.
As I thought about the exchange and how I would respond if I weren't walking away, the phrase "devil's advocate" came to mind. Idioms.freedictionary.com defines playing devil's advocate thus:
Since my husband and I have planned for our retirement years, I obviously have some sympathy for my friend's suggestion of storing up wealth. However, I think in light of the teachings of Jesus Christ, it would be good to at least consider the possibility that storing up wealth is NOT what we should be doing right now, that maybe we should invest in a different form of riches such as relationships and goodwill. I'm willing to argue for a viewpoint I don't necessarily support by my actions, i.e., play the devil's advocate. However, in this case, it's not the devil who is suggesting an alternative view, but Jesus."To argue against or attack an idea, argument, or proposition—even if one is in favor of it—for the sake of debate or to further examine its strength, validity, or details."
Is it possible to "play Jesus' advocate"? I can think of multiple subjects of discussion right now where it might be profitable to have someone represent the actual teachings of Jesus Christ in a discussion, even if they can't claim to follow them flawlessly.
How often do you encounter someone "playing Jesus' advocate"? Do you ever find yourself in that role?
