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The Spit 'n' Argue Club
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Monday, February, 08, 2010
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by John Fischer
I caught an intriguing article yesterday in the Los Angeles Times, part of an "L.A. Then and Now" series ["At these debates, expectorations were great," February 7, 2010, p. A36]. It was about an informal open-air club that met daily next to the Long Beach pier to chew tobacco, whittle and debate. Someone observed that they did nothing but spit and argue, and thus the Spit 'n' Argue Club was born. That was somewhere in the 1880s, and remarkably, the tradition lived on for over three-quarters of a century, finally succumbing to talk radio in 1972. It was a quiet death and few noticed. It's no coincidence either that the 1970s marked the end of civil debate and the ushering in of an era of choosing sides, demonizing the opposition and shouting without listening. We could sure benefit from some spittin' and arguin' these days.
The Times article reported: "profanity and alcoholic beverages were banned, as well as bathing suits. It seemed almost blasphemous to debate the existence of God while wearing swimwear." It's good to have a few ground rules when you meet to debate important things.
My favorite comment was from a columnist in 1935 that made the observation that "when you know a thing, you merely speak it, but when you are rather doubtful, you must assert it so loudly as to overwhelm all opposition."
This certainly applies to the truth we know about the gospel of Jesus. No need to shout just set it forth plainly, because the power is in the message, not the delivery. Simple statements, simply spoken. The truth doesn't need help.
Would that we could have our own Spit 'n' Argue Club—a safe place where anyone can talk about anything without prejudice or judgment. A place where all questions are welcomed and encouraged. A place where loud assertions are not necessary.
But anyway, if you can't form a club, you can always be one. Act this way and you will create an environment of civility around you. God only knows how much we need that right now.
"…we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4:2)
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