Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
Clyde cites the survey where evangelicals are viewed as “judgmental… arrogant… little interest in the lives of those who see things differently,” and quotes John Lennox about violence “cutting off people’s ears” and our job being to “put people’s ears back on”—what practices in our speech, politics, or posture might be “cutting off ears” locally, and what would “putting ears back on” look like without diluting biblical truth?
Another way to ask: In our words, politics, or attitudes, how might we be “cutting off people’s ears” by coming across as judgmental or uncaring? What would it look like to help people listen again without watering down biblical truth?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the transcript, “cutting off ears” happens when Christians come across as judgmental, politically combative, uninterested in others’ lives, or when they communicate “hate messages” even while claiming truth. “Putting ears back on” means humble, thoughtful, empathetic engagement—listening first, offering grace with truth, and living with visible joy and peace.
- Survey perceptions: evangelicals seen as “judgmental and critical… arrogant and conceited… little interest in the lives of those who see things differently.”
- More perceptions: “Right-wing political activists… strong support for the military, big business… little concern about the plight of America’s poor.”
- Lennox illustration: “Using violence to defend Christianity metaphorically cuts off people’s ears… It’s our job to put people’s ears back on.”
- He rejects canned responses: “We need thoughtful responses, not canned answers.”
- He highlights messaging problems: “Signs like God hates you… we should not send a hate message, but a love message.”
- He stresses witness posture: “What about my countenance? Are they seeing joy, love, and peace?” and “truth without grace… isn’t the complete gospel.”