A Matter of Survival?

 

Four Principles for Christlike Discussion of Controversial Subjects

In our confirmation culture, being right is considered an achievable absolute, and being wrong is synonymous with unpardonable sin. Disagreement is not tolerated and is met with belligerence and hostility and even violence (verbal or physical). Relationships are damaged or destroyed in the climate of intolerance.

In the teachings and life modeling of Jesus of Nazareth and in subsequent Christian ethical teachings, relationships are paramount, and love is the only valid basis of relationships. We are called even to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48 and Romans 12:20-21) and both Jesus (Matthew 5:38-42) and Paul (Romans 12:17-1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:15) teach non-retaliation as a Kingdom of Heaven ethic.

Sadly, relationships die, because they are human and death is part of being human. There’s even a biblical model for dealing with the death of relationships; it is a form of resurrection:

“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell[1] of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:21-24)

And there’s a biblical model for achieving that reconciliation:

“If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If you are listened to, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If that person refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church, and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)

And how are we to treat a gentile and a tax collector? Jesus called a tax collector (Matthew) as one of his disciples and ate with tax collectors (along with ‘sinners and prostitutes’). He also confirmed Zacchaeus as a “Son of Abraham” (Luke 19:9). It’s true that Zacchaeus, in the traditional interpretation, repented (in the original language there is reason to question that; however, that’s fodder for another blog), but before he repented, Jesus had received him and loved him and invited himself to stay at his house.

And gentiles? Jesus saw his ministry to the House of Israel, but healed gentiles; moreover, Matthew (28:19) and Luke (Acts 1:8) testify that Jesus’ parting words to his disciples was to “make disciples” and “witness” to all nations—to the ends of the earth.

Tax collectors and gentiles were to be loved into the kingdom.

While there are definite biblical teachings related to everlasting life, most people in Western culture have heard the words; although, understanding may not be as widespread. But the overwhelming bulk of the Judeo/Christian Scriptures and the writings of the first few centuries of the church (the Apostolic Fathers and the Patristic Fathers) focuses on human relationships. Jesus even taught his disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

And nowhere in the New Testament is it written that salvation is dependent upon being right. Salvation (however you define it) is not based upon correct doctrine but upon the grace of God and the human response of trust/faith in that grace (Ephesians 2:8)

We are called, rather, to be in right relationships with each other as a manifestation and expression of our faith in Jesus (see Matthew 25:31-46), for “Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate a brother or sister are liars, for those who do not love a brother or sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20)

Paul sums up our calling as a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-7:16) that embraces our relationship both with God and with each other, with implications for life on earth as well as in eternity.

Given all I’ve written above, I propose four Christlike principles for discussion of troubling and controversial subjects:

1.      Biblical: “Let no evil talk^[2] come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29 NRSVUE).

2.      Ethical[3]: the four-way test of Rotary International

·         is it the truth?

·         is it fair to all concerned?

·         will it build goodwill and better friendships?

·         will it be beneficial to all concerned?

3.      Relational: Relationship takes priority over “being right.” In any occasion of disagreement, ask, “Do you truly want to resolve the issue between you, or do you just want to win the fight?”

4.      Functional: Mutual understanding is the first priority. There can be no agreement without mutual understanding.

Reconciliation is a clear standard for evaluating our own faith, but beyond the matter of faith, there is a very practical implication of the ministry of reconciliation. Given the growing hostility of our confirmation culture, it may be a matter of survival of humanity.

That’s the way it looks through the Flawed Glass that is my world view.

Together in the Walk,

Jim

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[1]

[2]…” λογος σαπρος…” (logos sapros, literally, “putrid words” ~ 1894 Scrivener Greek New Testament);  “…unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words…” (Amplified Bible); “…harmful words…” (Good News Translation); “…corrupt communication…” (King James Version, et. al.); “…unwholesome talk…” (New International Version); “… worthless word…” (Revised Geneva Translation).

[3] Note the similarity with the biblical principle.