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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