Equipoise

In this episode, we (in very brief fashion) tackle some of the ins and outs of the Wednesday/Thursday view of the Crucifixion of Jesus versus the traditional Friday view. We're not looking to find out who's right or wrong in this issue; rather, we're just looking to be more sympathetic to the other side and see if we can't come to a balanced point of view, regardless of our final conclusions on the matter.

Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)

In this episode, we talk about how to have a reasonable and productive conversation with almost anyone, including someone who seems unreasonably biased or heavily imbalanced in their views. Whether it's politics or flat-earthism or theological issues or any number of conspiracy theories, we all need to learn to come to the table with respect and an open mind. So regardless of what the other person's approach might be, I bring some tips on how to have a productive conversation with almost anyone.

For what it's worth, here's my main points: 

1. Remember that all of us are biased, and that our job isn't to straighten anyone out -- it's to get to the truth. Even if that means they're right.

2. Set boundaries and insist on polite discourse - no interrupting, equal time, no anger, no red herrings, no appeals to a mysterious “they."

3. Ask for evidence or citations when applicable, but don’t be annoying about it.

4. Challenge only in a friendly way.

5. Make sure you’re being understood, too — ask questions like, “does that make sense?” or “does that follow okay?”

6. Don’t end in ambiguity — tally up points of significance and impact.

If we commit to doing these things, we're sure to have a more productive, beneficial and intellectually honest conversation with anyone, as long as they're willing to "play by the rules." I hope this helps!

Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)

In this episode, I finish our 3-part introductory miniseries on bias by helping us battle it with some practical tips. In short, they are as follows:

Take a humble stance / Be calm / Listen to understand, not to respond or score points / Be intellectually honest / Read dissenting opinion / Meditate and wrestle / Pursue timelessness / Obtain counsel, but not from an echo chamber

I hope that this helps you as it has helped me. If we are careful to follow these guidelines (all of which can be found in the Book of Proverbs), we will be much more likely to uncover the truth rather than simply confirm what we already were determined to think anyways.

Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)

In today's episode, I talk about the dangers of bias. It's not neutral, and it's not innocent. It is dangerous! I list four reasons why it is so harmful (in an ABCD format): It is Available, it is Blinding, it is Contagious, and it is Destructive. We spent the majority of our time in that list talking about the different ways in which bias is so destructive. I hope you'll give it a listen!

In this episode (like the last one), I quoted Brett McCracken again from his recent book "The Wisdom Pyramid." Pick it up; it's awesome. He also wrote some other good books. Check 'em out!

Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)

In this half-length addendum, I discuss chronological bias. In short, it's where we discard a belief or behavior simply because it comes from a time, place, or person that is either too old or too young for us to take it seriously or find it credible. I hope this little mini-episode helps us root out just one more kind of bias that could be lurking around in the recesses of our minds. 

Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)

In today's episode, I talk about what bias is. There's plenty of forms of bias out there, and being aware of how bias can creep in is essential to challenging it and overcoming it the best we can in our thought process. For what it's worth, I mention the following biases in today's episode (thought there are plenty more -- just search for them online and you'll find plenty): 

Confirmation Bias, Availability Heuristic, Dunning-Kruger Effect, Actor-Observer Bias, Halo Effect, Anchoring Bias, and False Consensus Bias. 

Bias affects all of us in different ways, and to different degrees, but to be sure, we've all got some somewhere. Today's episode is dedicated to simply exploring some various appearances of bias so that we can address it properly.

In this episode, I quote Brett McCracken from his recent book "The Wisdom Pyramid." Pick it up; it's awesome. He also wrote some other good books. Check 'em out!

Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)

Bringing you "Balance in Ten Minutes or Less" is my commitment to you all each week. Today, I introduce myself and share with you a few details of my ministerial life. I hope to engage with the issues in our culture from a balanced, refreshing point of view that's fair to both sides of every issue, even the most polarizing ones. Thanks for tuning in, and please subscribe if you'd like to keep up with my weekly releases.

Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)