In the Scottish Highlands, near the village of Glencoe, there is a small island in the lake, or loch. It is reachable by boat, but far enough from shore that swimming back and forth is not a real option. For many centuries now, it has been known to those who live in the area as the “Isle of Discussion”.
The Scots, particularly in the Highlands, were a quarrelsome lot. Disputes, about boundaries or business deals, personal insults or alienated affections, if left unchecked, could lead to family feuds and local wars. This explains the need for such an island.
So it came to be that, before written records were ever kept, village councils made use of the island. When two men fell out, for whatever reason, and the simpler methods for settling such disputes achieved nothing, the council would decree that both be rowed out to the Isle of Discussion. There they would be left all alone, with enough cheese and whiskey and oat cakes to sustain them. And there they would stay until they could sort out their differences, and agree to return in peace to the rest of society. Local historians say that, because of the Isle of Discussion, there has only been one murder among the locals in over 1,500 years.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matt 5:23,24).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One