The Avg. Lineup

Lately I’ve been having more conversations online again and more are on the horizon. This is something I’ve been doing a long time and I just took a little time to write about a few of the types of people I find in these conversations.

1. "Mr. Know it all": Will hear your point and completely disregard it on the basis of believing that he knows better. He will often believe this because he has read one or two articles on the subject or has seen it argued elsewhere as apposed to having a sound argument himself. On occasion he will actually have a wealth of knowledge on the subject, but remember having a wealth of knowledge does not justify a position on its own. He often does not fight you to seek or share the truth, but instead fights you because you challenge his worldview. If you are right he is wrong and must act accordingly.

2. The Scarecrow: This guy, whether on purpose or not, will consistently create straw man arguments, red-herrings, and commit equivocation without knowing it, causing conversations to become muddled and loose focus. This often leads him and others to think he has one the argument when in fact he hasn't.

3. MR.ROFL: This guy is not laughing with you, but at you. It is usually a plain disregard though it can often be coupled with the first two mentioned, carrying an actual response. Stopping the conversation to question his motives and biases behind his comments will usually stop him in his tracks as he will not want to come cross as a jerk to those watching.

4. Mr. Maybe: This is the guy I like to see. He did not come to the conversation to submit, but can recognize when he is wrong and is honestly looking for the truth. It may take a few rounds to get through to him but being patient is not hard as he is a welcome change of pace from the first 3 types. When you recognize him and that he is starting to open up prepare the gospel message for him appropriately. Not just JC, but the whole message because he may need "reason" and he may have reservations or questions that need addressed.

5. Mr. Bizzaro: This guy should be your best friend, but poor doctrine or scripture understanding has him making comments that inhibit or even harm both Mr. Maybe as well as the flow of your conversation. He means well but can easily sway the flow of the conversation, distracting others from or confusing the point you are making. It is a problem that must be addressed on top of the topic you are first addressing in the discussion. This can be taxing but has to be done for our well meaning brother.

6. The Silent Witness: These are those who never speak up but on occasion to say that they agree or that you have done a good job explaining something. You can never be sure of where they stand or why they don’t hop in the discussion but it is nice once in a while to see their comments. It reminds you that you’re not actually fighting alone; that others are watching and tracking the battle of the day. Maybe they are learning, maybe they are laughing, maybe they are grumbling…who knows, but when they do talk they are getting behind you.