PerryDox – BeJustAChristian

ATTITUDE Terms of Engagement for Studying and Discussing Controversial Topics

Let’s begin by acknowledging certain realities from studying the roles of women and men in the church: 1) Negatively, there will be controversy; 2) Realistically, it will not end with everyone agreeing on everything; 3) Positively, it is an opportunity to gain knowledge; but more importantly to show love to one another.

As an example, in the first century there were many questions and therefore controversies dealing with the eating of meats. There were rules, not just one, and those rules were often dictated by circumstances.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (HCSB) 1) About food offered to idols: We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up. 2) If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. 3) But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.

“Terms of Engagement for Studying and Discussing Controversial Topics”

Definition – “the rules that people or organizations must follow when they deal with each other”

If we don’t follow these rules, then there is little hope for a profitable study.

God’s word is our authority.

1. The inspired word of God is our guide.
2. Tradition is not truth, but neither is anti-tradition truth.
3. I don’t ask you agree with me; or that I must agree with you. I do ask we listen and think together. If someone starts by agreeing, he has forgotten to think. If someone starts by disagreeing, he too has forgotten to think. If we listen and think, then something amazing might happen – we might agree with one another.
4. If we do not examine the arguments of those with whom we disagree, then we can’t have a well-rounded or well-founded position.
5. If we examine only what a position restricts or what it permits, we are missing half the truth and half of what we can or cannot do.
6. A congregation must not be held hostage by the minority; nor must the majority bully their way.
7. The relation of conscience and fear is strong. Paul says, “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Rom.14:23). There are areas where we have liberty to act (1 Cor.8;10; Rom.14), but we choose not to exercise them because of the conscience of others or of ourselves. I must point out that ignorance can dictate the restricted conscience, and therefore we must train our consciences through truth (1 Cor.8:1ff).
8. Cconnected to #7, there is a difference between what we don’t like or feel uncomfortable doing; than doing what we think is unscriptural and violates our conscience. Anything new or different can “feel” strange. We must learn the difference.
9. Loving those with whom we disagree is more important than winning an argument. Disagreeing is not a sign of love lacking, contrary to modern thinking.
10. Keeping an open mind is difficult but possible and takes constant reminders to self.
11. As teacher, I don’t have all the answers to all your questions and applications or even mine…and neither do you.

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This entry was posted by PHall on Monday, December 3rd, 2018 at 8:54 am and is filed under Bible. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.