Belief Quote by Roger E. Olson
“Before you disagree make sure you understand. In other words, we must make sure that we can describe another's theological position as he would describe it before we criticize or condemn. Another guiding principle should be 'Do not impute to others beliefs you regard as logically entailed by their beliefs but that they explicitly deny'.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology, 2007
Understanding opposing views before criticism ensures fair dialogue and avoids misrepresentation.
In simple terms: Know before you judge.
Key Takeaway
Seek true comprehension first.
Themes
dialogue
empathy
intellectual honesty
Mood
thoughtful
respectful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- debates
- interfaith discussions
- academic seminars
- online forums
Key Concepts
theology
interpretation
argumentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify you have captured another's view accurately?
- What assumptions do you bring to a disagreement?
A Different Perspective
Misunderstanding can still occur despite effort.
![“. . . be suspicious of any [theological] position that fulfills all our heart's desires.” quote by William E. Hordern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d77/william-e-hordern-89846_caution_be-suspicious-of-any-theological-positio_2599220.jpg)
