Talking Past One Another
Talking Past One Another
Ever since the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden, rational beings have been "talking past one another." My definition of, "talking past one another," is the dynamic when communicators' words do not "hit" the intended "target," (the heart); and they are not "heard," (in the truest sense), by the other (rational being). There are three classes of "rational being": The Triune God (in Three distinct Persons), angels (elect and [now] demonic), and humans (elect and reprobate). The only combination of these classes that never gets "talked past" are the Persons of the Trinity (among Themselves), and the elect angels (as those angels interact with each other and the Persons of the Trinity).
Since the Fall, man "talks past" God; and God (even) "talks past" some men (humans). Some humans do not listen to God; and God does not listen to some humans--and this is all because of our [humans'] sin. This would be an insurmountable problem, except for the coming of The "Word" of God (Jn. 1:1-2, 14), Jesus Christ the God/Man, who perfectly "bridges" the communication "breakdown" between the Holy God and sinful humans.
But, in the fallen world, the rest of us pretty much go about "talking past" one another quite regularly, and almost as a matter of course. This is not all bad; but it is not all good, either. We are all committed to listening to (or reading) what we want to hear (or read). What we do not want to "hear" (or read), we avoid. As a matter of fact, I already know that if (for some reason) you do not like me (or my positions); or, if you did not like the title of this treatise, you would not be reading these words right now, (as you are doing). Also, if anywhere along the line, you lose interest in this subject, you will leave it off altogether, (and this is totally understandable).
In theology and philosophy (especially), we do a lot of this "talking past" one another. I read what I like; you do, too. Why would I read Schleiermacher and Tillich, if I could read Augustine and Calvin? You might see it differently; but you (also) gravitate to what you like (and find attractive).
Some people get frustrated with this "talking past" one another situation; and they finally decide that they are going to do something about it, and they fully throw themselves into the thought world of the other person, and commit to learning what they have to say, and seek to understand it. This can be a very noble thing, and sometimes it is--but it is only "noble" if the goal is to bring the other person to the Truth (Jesus Christ and His gospel of grace). Sometimes, I think, the result is a "compromise," a willingness to "give in" to the other person's positions, in a way that is not beneficial to anyone (including the other person).
Someone might say, "This 'talking past one another' situation is bad/even intolerable. Something must be done about it." At this point, I am not so sure I can agree with the concerned person. Think about it: God Himself "talked past" the vast majority of human sinners that He spoke to (through His prophets, apostles, [and even Christ]). Did hardly anybody ever actually listen to the hundreds of commandments and exhortations delivered by God Himself (in the Old Testament), for example? No; and yet the Holy God continued to insist on giving all of that instruction; and He never "lessened" or "lightened" His standard of perfection. Even our Lord Jesus Christ intentionally "talked past" some people. Are not the Parables themselves something of an illustration of this?
The point I am making, is that the Reformed theologians (including myself) basically talk to one another. The Arminian ones (for example), do the same. Muslim writers write for other Muslims. Jewish writers write for Jews. Hindus write for Hindus; and Buddhists write for Buddhists, (and we could go on and on).
This is not all bad; but it is also not all "great," either. The only thinkers (speakers) who can break this pattern are those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, those who are the regenerate members of the Body of Christ. We will never be "listened to," unless the Holy Spirit "moves" the listeners to "hear" us. Otherwise, our message will be ignored, shunned, and avoided--and for good reason: it is the message (gospel) of truth; and the truth is petrifyingly scary.
So, we live in a world where words are flying around all over the place. Almost anything can be accessed, if someone wishes to access it. Words and doctrines are "shooting" in every direction, but they are "hitting" almost no "targets"--(except the ones who want to hear them).
Again: we all listen to what we want to hear; and I am no exception. This is not all bad. Who has time, to subject oneself to the baneful inanity of so many people, who proudly and pompously parade their nonsense in books, podcasts, blogsites, and YouTube channels? I, for one, find this a very poor use of my time. Maybe you are more patient than I am, (which is not saying much). Maybe you have a stronger stomach than I do. Maybe you just have more compassion than I do.
. . . At any rate, a few gospel principles should probably be taken note of, before we leave this subject. First of all, the "genuine article" is always the best standard for determining and evaluating all contestants (to truth). (The "genuine articles" are the Holy Scriptures themselves; and the preaching and teaching done by truly God-ordained church ministers, as they faithfully present the scriptural gospel to sinners.) Those who hate the Light, will avoid the Light (Jn. 3:19 ff.). They will seek out dark places; and false teaching. But the exact opposite is true of those who are in the Light (Jesus). They will come to Him (Christ); and they will relish Him, as the Light.
"Talking past one another" is a fact of life in this fallen world. Still, those who can speak gospel words of truth in Jesus should not desist from doing so--even if no one listens to him (or her). Let us recognize that engagement (may be) good; but faithfulness in Christ is (always) very good.
Rev. Mark J. Henninger
Treatise #61
8 January 2026
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