Biblical Answer

Finding Common Ground with Our Enemies

The Reality of a War

In the context of Christianity, we must acknowledge that we are in a spiritual war. As Francis Schaeffer warned, "We must see that what we face is a total-ity and not just bits and pieces." This means that we are not just dealing with individual issues or enemies, but with a comprehensive and pervasive system of thought that is opposed to God and His ways. As such, we must recognize that our enemies are not just external, but also internal, as our own hearts can be a source of conflict and opposition to God.

The Importance of Understanding Our Enemies

Despite the reality of a spiritual war, it is essential to understand our enemies and their perspectives. This involves recognizing that our enemies are not simply evil people, but individuals with their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. As Jesus taught, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This command is not about condoning or accepting their behavior, but about treating them with compassion and understanding. By doing so, we can create space for dialogue and potentially find common ground, even if it is limited.

Finding Common Ground

While common ground may not be necessary, it is often sufficient to allow for dialogue and understanding. As philosopher and theologian Alvin Plantinga notes, "Still universal common ground is not necessary. It suffices that between any two systems there be enough overlap to allow for dialogue." In our spiritual war, we can find common ground in areas such as shared human experiences, moral principles, or even interests. For example, we may find common ground with a friend who shares an interest in sprint car racing, as I do with my friend Phil. By engaging in dialogue and seeking to understand our enemies, we can potentially find areas of agreement and build bridges, even in the midst of conflict. Ultimately, our goal should be to live out our faith in a way that reflects God's love and compassion, even to those who may be considered our enemies. As Jesus said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:44-45).