Ask Neutral Questions
November 14th, 2007
How many times, when we discussing a new proposal or idea and want someone’s opinion of it, do we ask a biased question? We slant the question to make our opinion of the matter seem more logical or obvious. Besides being dishonest, it’s also not how Jesus led. Jesus would ask point blank questions, presenting both sides equally. In the story of the alabaster jar of perfume (Luke 7), Jesus tells a story of two men, who both are in debt, and both debts are paid off. Jesus plainly presents the facts, and then asks a blatant question, with no bias to the answer Jesus is looking for: Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?
The next time you’re discussing an idea or proposal and you truly want the opinion of someone of the idea, and not just ’supporters’, ask neutral, honest questions.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Manipulation is never truly useful. And yes, ask questions that give you honest answers.
However, many times Jesus told the story to point people in a direction. And he often asked questions that assumed a particular answer. Take Luke 15:4, “Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” There could be only one answer to that question about outreach.
Neutral questions are good. Instructive questions are better.