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Monday, May 6, 2013

Conversations with Scripture... Chapter 8 questions

Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other
Chapter 8
“Conflict”
Life in community brings…
 
Questions for discussion
1. What do you think the point of this chapter is?
2. Was Shaw’s description of what the chapter was not meant to do helpful in getting his point across?
3. In the first paragraph, Shaw relates “no matter how kind and well meaning we Christians are, there is going to be conflict in Christian community.” How does this claim compare with your experience of Christian communities?
4. One could claim there is nothing exclusive about Christian communities with regard to conflict. Why do you think conflict is so divisive in Christianity and communities of faith when compared to secular society?
5. What distinction is evoked when contrasting “Jewish believers in Christ” to “Gentile followers of Jesus.?
6. On pages 81-83 Shaw paints a picture of contrasting images of Christ and the communities of faith. What do you think are the underlying issues that cross the bounds of all the images presented on those pages?
7. From where is the source of most tension in our lives of faith?
8. Shaw seems to point out that conflict and conflict resolution serves a deeper purpose than simply solving a disagreement. (pp. 85-88) He tries to reflect that at is foundation, “conflict [should be] becomes a means of conversion.” Does this claim agree with your experience of conflict and conflict resolution?
9. Why might Shaw claim that avoiding conflict leads to a loss for the community? Do you think there is grace in addressing conflict in a manner like Shaw presents?
10. Do you think a contributing factor to conflict avoidance is the subconscious reluctance to sacrifice or give up something we hold dear?
11. Shaw brings up the passage, John 14:6, as the source of exclusivity in salvation resting in Christ alone. (…I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.) He states he was asked to make a “clear and definitive statement” declaring the “true” (emphasis added) meaning of the passage. How would you have responded to those requests? How do you think he responded to those requests? How do you think he believes the Gospel writers and Paul would have chosen to address this conflict?
12. How do we help ourselves live in the world where we are assured conflict will exist without living unhealthy or unproductive lives?
  
Preparatory Scripture Passages
Please read and reflect on the following passages:
From the text:
Mark 7:24-30 (Syrophoenician woman)
Mark 10:35-40 (Leadership struggle)
Mark 8:27-30
John 14:6
 
Synopsis
·         Describes what the chapter is NOT supposed to do
o   States part of being in a Christian Community will lead to conflict
·         Looks at the story behind the story of Scripture
o   Paints a picture of Mark’s community of faith
o   Compares and contrasts the diverse community in Antioch
o   Looks at conflict as the story of change from societal norms to a Christian ethos
·         Relates Paul’s method of conflict management
o   Highlights the appearance of prayer and patience in conflict management
o   Asserts that conflict is a means of conversion
·         In the context of our current life
o   Identifies some potential losses and gains from the way we address conflict
o   Attempts to help us take a long view with regard to conflict management
·         Describes a possible scenario that might be of relevance to a modern church
o   Poses questions about the potential exclusivity growing out of John 14:6
·         Closes with a statement that conflict is often based on something unspoken on the part of either or both parties

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