Contrast or Contradiction

Not knowing meanings of these words can cause confusion. This is very important in the area or matter of social communication. It is also crucially important in inter-religious dialogue.

Confusion in the exchange of ideas and words can lead to misunderstanding and conflict. When I say, “I disagree with you”, what do I mean?

It means your idea is in contrast with my idea. Here contrast connotes difference, opposition, dissimilarity, contrariness. In this situation of relationship, there is still room for more exchange; communication can continue; the other communicator can remain. He or she is still worth listening to.

What do I mean when I say, “I cannot accept what you say”? It means you deny or negate my existence in such a way as to prevent me from considering your idea or your word. In essence, “you contradict me” or more clearly, “I am nothing to you and you are nothing to me so communication stops. No-thing cannot communicate with no-thing. When people come together and just engage in contradicting each other, they are treating each other as nobody, as nothing!

Pope Francis said somewhere (I forgot when and where) that when there are contrasting ideas and positions, however grave, serious, linguistically different, culturally nuanced, even revealed and religious but still human, there is still room for clarification, differentiation and deepening. And therefore more listening and attention. His favorite word is discernment.

I think this is part of what he is telling us about the word Synodality.