As I listen to public discourse and debate, some of the rhetoric (1) used in the arguments remind me of a "Gordian Knot" (2). This device is used to reduce complex events and issues to a simple, binary choice. For example, whose side are you on - Russia or Ukraine, Israel or Hamas? These are emotionally charged issues, with consequences attached to either choice that is made.
This rhetorical device is designed to direct the attention to focus on the rhetoric and exclude critical thinking or a thoughtful, reasonable discussion. It is interesting to ask who is using the device, who is controlling the information, who is setting the conditions of the discourse, and who is demanding a choice to be made? If you encounter such a situation, as soon as possible, regain control of your focus and view the situation from a higher perspective.
In John 8:3 - 11, Jesus encountered such a situation; his enemies were testing him, tempting him, attempting to trap him. A woman's very life and his reputation hung in the balance. An early lesson I learned from this account is "You don't have to answer every question that is put to you. If you choose to reply, answer only when you are ready." By the way - if this woman was married, and taken in the very act of adultery, where is the man? According to Deuteronomy 22:22, they are both to die, but it does not say by what means, such as stoning. The status of the woman affects the exact form of punishment. They conveniently left out this detail.
When Jesus was confronted, he didn't say anything; he wrote in the sand with his finger, which was a common practice.
In the Orient, at an early age, children are taught to write the word "God" in the sand with their finger. Thus they are taught an ancient method of contemplation and waiting upon God. This is what elders and judges commonly do when they seek divine guidance. (3)
Jesus didn't allow his attention to be drawn into a distorted realm of just two possibilities; he didn't wrestle with the hostile view of reality as presented. Rather, he focused on God, seeking HIS will in the situation. Finally, Jesus is ready to given an answer to those who devised the situation. He spoke the words that God wanted spoken; this is "the sword of the spirit" which cut through their Gordian knot. Jesus didn't make a choice as the antagonists demanded. Rather, he gave THEM a choice to make. "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her"
"Winning" an argument, or a debate can be thrilling. It can also be a useless competition, provoked by some as a form of manipulation. What is there besides "winning" or "losing"?
James 1:19–20
[19] Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (ESV)
Whatever the confrontation, seek to produce the righteousness of God!
2024 Keith Radcliffe
Notes:
(1) In rhetoric, a rhetorical device, persuasive device, or stylistic device is a technique that an author or speaker uses to convey to the listener or reader a meaning with the goal of persuading them towards considering a topic from a perspective, using language designed to encourage or provoke an emotional display of a given perspective or action. They seek to make a position or argument more compelling than it would otherwise be. (from Wikipedia)
(2) The Gordian Knot comes from ancient history. It existed in Gordium of central Turkey. It was said that anyone who could untie the knot would become king of all Asia. Alexander the Great took great interest in this knot and visited Gordium to untie it. After several failed attempts, he finally used his sword to cut the knot and went on to conquer Persia.
(3) Light Through an Eastern Window, Bishop K.C. Pillai, D.D., page 49.
100%!!!
Contemplative retort like the woman caught in adultery are a sign of a renewed mind. Paul also showed mastery of his mind in Acts.