The Marketplace of Ideas
In his dissenting opinion in Abrams v. United States, Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote that truth ought to be arrived at in the free trade of ideas. He said, "The best test of truth is in the power the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market." He said that is the theory of our Constitution and the basis of free speech.
I love the way Paul competed in the marketplace of ideas. I think that is where the church belongs. As Jesus said, "Wisdom is proved right by her children." My translation of that is this: truth can stand on its own two legs. I think we've got to be in the Areopagus--the marketplace of ideas--competing for our truth claims.
By the way, Holmes closed his argument with these words: "All life is an experiment." I love that! I'd add one caveat. All life is a holy experiment.
I love the way Paul competed in the marketplace of ideas. I think that is where the church belongs. As Jesus said, "Wisdom is proved right by her children." My translation of that is this: truth can stand on its own two legs. I think we've got to be in the Areopagus--the marketplace of ideas--competing for our truth claims.
By the way, Holmes closed his argument with these words: "All life is an experiment." I love that! I'd add one caveat. All life is a holy experiment.
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