With one week left before the inauguration of Donald Trump as our 45th president there has been much talk over his cabinet and staff appointees, like there always is with each administration. The senate and house are allowed to “grill” as I saw one headline this past week, each of the people that Trump has chosen and determine if they will approve some of the people to serve.
In the midst of all the leaks and “fake news” that has been talked about, the presidential appointees have been given more discussion this year than perhaps I remember. Each president has the right to put in place his/her own people and usually does. They want like minded people that will support and offer a hand in completing the agenda that they believe will work best over the next four years. This sharing of a similar philosophy allows them to work more efficiently together. Examples of these political philosophies could be raising or lowering taxes, regulations, job competition, and so on. These are the political presuppositions that each of these people have found to be trustworthy and rules to live and govern by. If you need a definition of presupposition you can check this previous post.
Would it be smart for a president to have someone on his cabinet or as an advisor that would offer a dissenting view or opinion that would offer advice to them? I say yes, making the best decision would include having all the information available to make an informed decision. Sadly many will not do this. We only like to hear compliments or praises from those who agree with us. Keep in mind we do not have to follow or take their advice, but at least give them an ear and listen with an open mind. Ever read a post you disagreed with but were not approved to post a different opinion? Ever notice how the talk show host will mute the person on the phone when things start to get messy or out of control.
I have found this to be the case when having conversations with people over spiritual discussions or when using apologetics with people of other worldviews. Each person comes to the discussion with certain presuppositions that they are not willing to let go of. These may include things like; a naturalistic or supernatural belief, a belief in miracles, or a Reformed theology vs. a Wesleyan.
One thing I have found helpful before spending large amounts of time with someone is to ask if they will be open-minded and willing to consider certain basic ideas in the discussion you want to have. If you are willing to talk with those understandings it will be less frustrating for both of you and you can remind the person again that they agreed to hear your case with an open mind. Maybe this will help them, or you, understand the topic more completely and you may win them over to your side politically or in your religious worldview.
DId God Really Say... 