August 12, 2007

• Well, it’s the end of the second day of the Christians for Biblical Equality conference, and I have more thoughts and feelings going through me than I am able to sift out.  Reflections, I fear, must come later, after we return from the conference.  For now, I offer to you the first thing I heard this morning – a talk by Deborah Gill about reconciliation.  Dr. Gill has been a professor of New Testament, Greek and Homiletics for 20 years and is currently the National Director of Christian Education and Commissioner of Discipleship for the Assemblies of God.  She’s one of the coolest ladies I’ve met at this conference, and I absolutely adore her!!  Her message struck home to my heart for this journey of seeking Biblical Equality.  More on this later.  For now, here is her message (abridged, believe it or not!)…
  

  “Seeking Justice and
  Loving Mercy” by Deborah Gill, Ph.D.

  There were many disagreements that occurred among the NT
  leaders, but God’s desire is for unity of his followers (John 17:20-21). 

  Disagreements within the church happen all the time.  How do we reconcile with those who disagree
  with us? 

  Case Study:  Meat
  Offered to Idols (1 Cor 8:1-13, Rom 14)

  Side A argued for eating meat based on their knowledge that
  there’s only one true God; idols are not gods, so there was nothing wrong with eating
  the meat.  They were “strong” in the
  conscience.  Their knowledge gave them
  freedom.  These were the Intellectuals.

  Side B argued against eating idol meat under any
  circumstance.  Their belief gave them a
  lack of freedom; they were known to have the “weak” conscience.  Eating meat would’ve defiled Side B’s
  consciences.  These were the Conservatives.

  They were “strong” and “weak.”  The Apostle Paul treated both sides with
  respect.  He didn’t call Side B, “the
  Idiots,” and he didn’t call Side A, “the liberals”.   

  The Intellectuals and the Conservatives were a part of the
  same church.  Both sides were believers,
  both precious to God, both worth being cherished by brothers and sisters.  However, in negative interaction, both groups
  had hurt each other, causing the other to stumble, even. 

  Both sides have a darkside. 
  Intellectuals can be arrogant and self-confident.  Conservatives can be judgmental and
  self-righteous.  Intellectuals have the
  tendency to put down the other for their lack of understanding.  Conservatives have the tendency to put down
  the other for their lack of righteousness. 
  The intellectuals might indict the conservatives of error.  The conservatives might indict the
  intellectuals of sin.  The intellectuals
  are prone to despise the other.  The
  conservatives are prone to condemn the other. 
  

  These “sides” destroy the unity that Christ intended.

  Presuppositions
  At the bottom of every argument is a presupposition.  Neither of the sets of presuppositions are
  better or worse.  They both have their
  own inherent strengths and are prone to their own weaknesses respectively.  Each position is committed to something
  positive.  They are in pursuit of good
  goals.  However, there’s a dark side and
  a bias to every presupposition.

  Paradigms

  Intellectuals…
  Value: Discovery and change
  Goals: Pursue enlightenment, progress and freedom
  Role: Seekers, inquirers, enlightened ones
  Style: Curious and forward looking
  Susceptibilities:  Permissiveness,
  imprudence, liberality, pride

  Problem:  They are intellectual
  but not thoughtful.

  Conservatives…
  Value:  Tradition and
  security
  Goals: Preserve the past, perpetuate the status quo
  Role:  Guardians,
  defenders, protectors
  Style: Caution, fear the future
  Susceptibilities: Being narrow minded, inflexible,
  exclusive, judgmental

  Problem:  They are righteous
  but not just.

  We need to recognize that we all have presuppositions.  We need to respect others’ presuppositions
  even if we are aware of their tendencies and failings.  We need to be aware of the subjectiveness of
  our own presuppositions.

  And we need to remember that there is a bigger battle behind
  the issues — FAITH. 

  The enemy wants us to get distracted by these little wars
  with each other.  He tempts us to crave
  winning our war at any cost and to use the ways of the world to do the work of
  God.  It’s a losing game as we seek to
  devour our opponents.

  We need to take the higher road.  Jesus calls us to love our enemies. How much
  more so do we need to love our Christian brothers and sisters with whom we
  disagree!  Knowledge puffs up, but love
  builds up.  Food does not bring us near
  to God.  We’re no worse if we eat or
  don’t eat.

  Intellectuals’ knowledge needs to be tempered with love.  Need to listen to the conservatives and what
  contributions they bring to the table. 
  Repent of arrogance.  Instead of
  despising, must respect the conservatives as a sincere brother or sister in
  Christ.   

  Conservative’s conservatism must be tempered with love.  Need to listen and learn what the
  intellectuals have to offer. They need to accept the intellectuals as genuine
  members of the community, must resist putting down the intellectuals.  Instead of rejecting them as heretics, must
  accept them as true brothers and sisters in Christ.  Must stop condemning.  Must Accept.

  Reconciliation is the timeless call of God.  2 Cor 5:17-21 – God has given us the ministry
  of reconciliation!

  Life
  Application:  Christ-like response

  Non-negotiable principles

  1.  Cognitive-attitudinal principle:  Christ’s
  example is humility (Phil 2)
  Just because others disagree doesn’t mean they are bad or
  deficient in their morals.  Refrain from
  putting down the other party – even in our hearts – whether despising or
  condemning.  It’s not that either position
  is ‘always’ right.  Just because we are
  more comfortable or we’re the majority doesn’t make us right nor does it affirm
  its veracity.  Just because they have more
  power/might, doesn’t mean they are right either.  Need to be sensitive to the other party.

  2.  Theological-ideological principle:  God’s
  call is Unity.  (John 17)
  Making peace is a timeless call.  Make the circle of love and inclusiveness
  bigger.

  3.  Behavioral Principle:  God’s
  way is through love.
  It’s not whether you win or lose but how you play the
  game.  Knowing is not enough, it’s living
  the life that counts. Preserving relationships and protecting people is more
  important than guarding your position and leaping forward.

  This is an invitation to:
  Stop making room for the devil: admit, apologize, forgive,
  refuse (to let it happen again).

  Grant greater grace: 
  Draw a larger circle.  (The
  greater the difference, the greater the grace required.)  Give them the benefit of the doubt.  Don’t attack them as enemies.  Treat them as family.  Do not speak harshly.  Mercy is not giving others what they deserve.
  Grace is giving them what they don’t deserve. 
  So you think they don’t deserve grace, give it to them.  Draw the circle of inclusion larger than
  you’re comfortable with.  Build a bridge.
  Treat them as insiders not outsiders.

  Watch your words, guard your tongue, mind your mouth.  Refuse to call others names.  Speak charitably with the other party when they
  are absent and when they are present. 
  Pray to ask for wisdom and strength and blessing for each other.

  GENDER AND JUSTICE
  In our quest to seek justice and love mercy, we need to
  remember the second half of that verse in Micah – walk humbly.

  In love and unity, may we lift Jesus up.  May we glorify him and not the devil.  (We glorify the devil when we choose to live in
  dissension.)

  • 2:05 am
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