Philip Zimbardo, a Stanford University psychologist, experimented in 1969 with two “abandoned” cars, which he deliberately left unattended: one in the Bronx, New York, and the other in Palo Alto, California. He left the hoods open and removed the license plates. Within minutes, people began stealing the parts from the car in the Bronx. Within three days the car was stripped, and people began smashing windows and ripping up the upholstery until the car was trashed. However, the car in Palo Alto remained untouched for more than a week.
Zimbardo also tested human nature by taking a sledgehammer and openly smashing a window of the car in Palo Alto. Soon other people were taking turns with the sledgehammer until the vehicle was demolished. This experiment gave rise to the “broken window” theory of crime. When a broken window is not repaired in a vacant building, it sends a signal that no one is in charge, and soon many windows are vandalized. Uncivil behavior, unchecked, breeds more incivility.
This happens with ideas, too. I belong to a conservative Adventist email chat group. I have noticed that often when someone makes a comment, someone else takes offense almost immediately. Others join the argument, which descends to name-calling, ridicule, and mockery. People’s feelings get hurt, and further incivility ensues. Those who don’t like the hostile environment opt out of the fray. Soon the discussion involves only those with verbal “sledgehammers.” And this shamefully happens among Present Truth believers.
I have seen this in other settings, as well. If one proposes or defends an idea or principle, even in logical, rational terms, another may take out his “hammer” and pound on it. If the latter cannot successfully argue his point, he turns to sarcasm, mockery, and even misrepresentation, particularly if the idea or principle doesn’t fit his personal agenda. These “broken words” draw more of the same and escalate the damage like the broken windows of Zimbardo.
During my twenty years in ministry I have listened to many stories of people who have been treated uncivilly by fellow Christians. The latter often attack their opponents by accusing them, twisting their words, smashing their reputations and trashing their characters. There is something about human nature that loves, or at least gravitates to, the demolition of what is good in someone else. Tragically, this incivility often draws more uncivil behavior in return, making matters worse.
It is difficult to separate the argument from the person. Nonetheless, true Christian courtesy is something we all must learn, for God requires us to hold our tongues (and our pens) when we are in danger of crossing that line. Upholding the truth does not require that we be unchristlike, even when we disagree.
But speaking the truth in love, may we grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15.
