Our opinions are simply the angle of our perspectives.

Our opinions are simply the angle of our perspectives.

Point of view or Perspective?

Point of view and Perspective are not the same thing. My Point of view is the position from which I view a matter, perspective is the particular attitude or way of considering a matter. They are similar, but the difference is important. My point of view can be implicit and unconscious such as when I observe an event from the standpoint of a Christian versus if I saw the same event as a Hindu. We do not regularly identify our point of view as it is simply who we are. In somewhat the same way, perspective may be as unconscious as point of view.

My perspective is the emotional result of my observation from my point of view. While point of view is often fully unconscious, perspective, because it involves emotion, can only remain unconscious by an act of will. In the same way that I can mentally ignore a pain in my hand when my body is telling me to figure out why it hurts, I can ignore the source of my emotional response (perspective) only by mentally engaging it.
 
Perspective and Opinion
 
Perspective: the particular attitude or way of considering a matter.
Opinion: a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. (Oxford Dictionary)
 
Once we observe (point of view) and emotionally respond (perspective) we actively engage to form an opinion. As Oxford stated, this process does not require any knowledge on my part, it can be and is most often a “knee jerk” response based on habit rather than reflection. Still, this is not the place where we get into trouble, that comes in the next stage, action. Acting on our opinions based on emotional response without adequate reflection is the quagmire of the devil.
 
Proverbs 14:29 tells us, "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly," the basis of this is reflected by Proverbs 10:19, “When there are many words, wrongdoing is unavoidable, But one who restrains his lips is wise.” Both of these Proverbs, as well as similar statements made by Job, Jesus, Peter, Paul, and David point to the absolute need to reflect and discern the truth before acting. In all cases the truth referred to here is the knowledge of what point of view and perspective are and to realize our need to move beyond ourselves. In all of these biblical addresses, the key is always a godly focus and dependence. We must challenge ourselves to know from where our perspective comes before we form or (Lord have mercy) act on our opinion.

In truth, time-held opinions and actions are often driven by fear. Jesus was rejected, not because He said something completely new, but because those who heard Him did not want to change. Their perspective—the basis of their opinion about Jesus—was formed by their comfort and powered by their desire for self. In a world so fraught with violence and hate, Christians are called to boldly embody the higher standard found only in the divine perspective.

Christ’s perspective, NOT mine.

Christ calls us to open our spirits to His presence---and our minds to His thoughts. The Holy Spirit guides and challenges us in all that we do, our work is to become less of who we are and more of who Christ is. St. Paul tells us to be more “Christ like” in our living, he is not simply saying we should do nice things like Jesus did. We are to be like Christ—in our thinking, feeling, loving, and living--our perspective is to be from, and have its formation in, Him. Once we reflect in this way, our words and actions will lift others up, project love and concern, and bring glory to God.

Striving to see all things through Christ,
Fr. Bill+