Debbie wrote: > Some things to consider with regard to communication: > A text, whether spoken or written, is not itself a message > but only a vehicle for a message. Also, it is not independent > of speaker and hearer. In fact, in any act of discourse, > we have to recognize not only the message but: > the sender and the receiver and their relationship;
Excellent analysis, Debbie. It is interesting, too, that relationship can have differing effects on the ability to communicate. For example, concerning those who do not have a relationship with someone, say someone like Karl Barth, they might understand him in a way that is different than if they were in relationship with him. Furthermore, the way in which relationship effects communication might change over time. For example, in the beginning of a relationship, a person might begin to understand better the teachings of someone else through increased non-verbal cues and through observing how the person lives out his teachings. However, as that relationship increases, it might actually hinder the ability to communicate. It is like the proverb: familiarity breeds contempt. Jesus taught it by saying that a prophet is not without honor, save in his own country and in his own house. In his own neighborhood, people were the least able to understand and appreciate the teachings of Jesus Christ. Even his own siblings did not believe in him until after the resurrection. So sometimes as a person begins to know another person better, communication begins to break down because of feelings of distrust, bitterness, etc. that interfere with the message being conveyed. It is interesting to consider that in the case of Jesus and his apostles and prophets, those feelings of distrust and bitterness that hinder communication may not have a valid foundation. In the case of Jesus, it even says that he could not do many mighty works in his hometown because of the distrust they had toward him. Suffice it to say that when a person allows a root of bitterness in his heart, communication becomes impossible between him and the one with whom he is bitter. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
