When Scholars Disagree

"Scholarship is polite argument." — Philip Rieff

Confessions of a Researchaholic

As the editor for the CD-ROM, Jesus, The Man, The Message, The Messiah by Ray Vander Laan, I was chief fact checker. Ray wrote statements that sounded like irrefutable facts about baptism, the mikvah and the Essenes. My two Baptist proofreaders went ballistic. Ray’s viewpoint differed from their theological understandings.

Upon further research regarding the Essenes, I discovered that the scholars disagreed. To alleviate potential unnecessary arguments, I prefaced opinionated assertions by introductory statements:

“Some scholars believe…”
“Based on the author’s research, he thinks…”
“In my opinion…”
“These studies found…”

Writing Considerations

Who is your audience? What is your writing angle? How will you try to persuade the reader to consider your viewpoint?

If scholars have disagreed about something for hundreds of years, you might consider the following.

* State the conflict between scholars or experts to prevent alienating readers.

* Acknowledge both points of view, and then state your arguments for and against.

* If you feel strongly about a topic, study the subject in-depth. Before writing, become skilled enough to state what you believe and why you believe it. After writing, accept without offense and respect differing opinions from readers.

* You may decide it is best to avoid “pet” or divisive theologies, ideologies, philosophies, or political stances.

* Focus on points of agreement and steer away from explosive issues.

Why Check Original Sources for Context?

As editor of a professional journal, I received an article regarding women in leadership. One expert quoted Josephus who stated, “Women are inferior to men.” To check the accuracy and context of this quote, I found four reliable sources that supported the expert’s opinion. Since the original source was Josephus, I accessed the online source containing the full text for all of Josephus’ books.

In the find box under edit, I entered the key words “women,” “inferior” and “man.” No luck. Then I typed “woman” and “inferior” in the find box. Again, I searched every book written by Josephus. In Flavius Josephus Against Apion, Book II, Josephus wrote, “says the Scripture, ‘A woman is inferior to her husband in all things.’”

The context of this verse specifically related to marriage—not leadership. To prove their points, the expert and four other sources edited Josephus’ quote to say what they wanted it to say. Neither the context nor the quote was correct. And Josephus was also wrong. Scripture does not say, "A woman is inferior to her husband in all things."

Research: Think Outside the Box

"The way to do research is to attack the facts at the point of greatest astonishment." — Celia Green

I love researching. However, projects I intensely dislike are those “parental projects” assigned by teachers to children who cannot complete them without a parent’s help. In second grade my son, Kristoffer, was assigned one of those dreaded “parental projects”—a transportation report.

As a single parent, it was just one more ball to add to all the balls I was trying to keep in the air. To add to my frustration, my son chose a sports car unfamiliar to me—Lamborghini—the Diablo.

I figured out it was an Italian car. Seven-year-old Kristoffer prepared the questions that I faxed to Italy to the President of Lamborghini—after figuring out how to dial 011 plus the number. Lamborghini replied and informed us that Lee Iacocca now owned Lamborghini.

I called Iacocca’s office and was given his fax number. I faxed Kristoffer’s questions to Iacocca. A Vice President replied via Federal-Express. Not only did he answer all Kristoffer’s questions, but he included some pictures that were collector’s items to include in the report.

Next, I called Lamborghini of Beverly Hills to set up an interview with the manager. In our 1978 beat-up Volvo named “Old Betsy,” I drove Kristoffer to Beverly Hills. Kristoffer interviewed the manager who also gave him a tour that ended with Kristoffer purchasing pictures and a "Lamborghini Parking Only" sign.

Kristoffer wrote his report and made his poster. “WE” got an A-, which disappointed me. In my opinion, the teacher missed the importance of what Kristoffer learned about creative research and the writing process.

Research is an experience, not just about reading and writing neatly written words on the page. No matter the project, think outside the box and make it fun.

Making Writing Dreams Come True

“You can’t say, I won’t write today because that excuse will extend into several days, then several months, then… you are not a writer anymore, just someone who dreams about being a writer.” —Dorothy C. Fontana

I didn’t feel like writing today. Why?

My ‘To-Do’ list stretches beyond my physical stamina and the number of hours in my day. Here’s a sampling:

* It’s cold. There’s six-plus inches of spring snow covering my driveway—which I have to shovel.
* Errands need to be run, once roads are passable.
* Two walls and a ceiling await sandpaper and paint.
* A roll of carpet anticipates being unrolled and secured in place. Am dreading cutting it to fit.
* The laundry has bred to overload. This doesn’t include yesterday’s clean garments yearning to be hung, folded and placed in fitting homes in drawers and closets.
* Cleaning house is on the top of the list. Gotta get ready for the weekend.

And on and on and on…

Eliminate Distractions
However, I have a commitment to write. To free myself to write, I am

* decluttering
* simplifying my lifestyle
* finishing home improvement projects
* setting boundaries with negative associations who drain emotional energy
* saying “No thank you” to commitments that steal from time to write
* saying, “Yes” to activities and relationships that encourage my writing.

Little by little, I’m conquering diversions that pull me away from writing.

How about you? What prevents you from writing? Gotta run…paint, sandpaper, carpet, and washes are calling.

No Pain, No Gain

"We are a species that needs and wants to understand who we are. Sheep lice do not seem to share this longing, which is one reason why they write so little." —Anne Lamott

I enjoy Anne Lamott’s wit. Laughter is one way I’ve survived pain and stress, otherwise known as my life. Some say comedians are people who have suffered pain. And I can relate.

The Joy of Pain
The secret source of comedy is pain—not happiness. Three thousand years ago, Solomon penned these words, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones,” (Proverbs 17:22, NIV). Humor boosts pain tolerance, releases endorphins, increases blood flow, and lowers tension.

Live. Laugh. Write.
Transform personal pain into laughter. Writing and seeing the funny side of adversity are acts of courage.

Creativity Is a Pursuit

“Creativity is not something that happens to you. It’s something that you make happen.” —Shana Schutte

Shana Schutte, an author, editor, and speaker, spoke at Springs Writers last night on how to release your writing creativity. She provided many ways to defeat writers’ block which includes free writing and mind mapping. I highly recommend Shana as an excellent workshop and conference speaker. She addresses faith-based issues for women. Her website is www.runtogodministries.org

Creativity Killers
Shana also looked at the things in our lives that kill our writing creativity. How many of these do you experience?

* Not enough silence.
* Your inner critic—when the left side of the brain bosses the right side around.
* Not asking enough questions. Curiosity makes people write well.
* Stress, fatigue, hunger, worry.
* Skepticism. Am I a writer? If you write, you are a writer whether you are published or not.
* Time crunches. Too little time before a deadline.
* Environment. Where do you write best? In a noisy or quiet place?
* Procrastination
* People pleaser. People who rob you of your writing time.

How to Recognize a Great Idea
If it moves you, it will move someone else. Write, journal, type, scribble one worthy page a day and in six months you will have a book. So take your creativity and pursue it.