The Art of Argument

All Things Considered

In an age of polarised politics “cancel culture” and online echo chambers, it can feel as though respectful disagreement is a dying art. However, across the world’s faith traditions, argument isn’t something to be avoided. Jesus questioned, challenged, and debated—often with religious leaders of his day. Abraham argued with God in the Hebrew scriptures. Across many religions, sacred texts are filled with dialogue, debate, and the wrestling of ideas.

Rosa Hunt is joined by an inter-faith panel to discuss whether it is possible to reclaim the art of argument, not as a fight to be won, but as a practice of deeper understanding. Gavin Ortlund is a pastor and theologian based in Tennessee. He's the author of the recently published ‘The Art of Disagreeing’ and runs the YouTube channel, ‘Truth Unites’. Raphael Zarum is the Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies and holds the Rabbi Sacks Chair in Modern Jewish Thought. Imam Faisal Khajjou is from the Revive Academy in Newport. Joanna Williams is a Baptist minister and a trainer in conflict transformation. She works with the Blackley Centre to help churches and communities build peaceful relationships and resolve conflicts.