I have Kari’s questions (below), as well. But the more I consider them, the more complicated and situational they appear to be. How do we weigh and address the “stronger” and “weaker” brothers and sisters at the same time we’re pursuing unity? How do we refrain from scapegoating while retaining a prophetic voice in love? Conscience and conviction are things that should be respected, whether the conclusions are right or wrong. Nuance is real and we’re all (hopefully) just trying to honor what glimpses of God that we’ve experienced and acquired in our lives. How do we toe the line on protecting unity while also speaking with prophetic conviction in the name of advancing Biblical justice? Ethics is a tricky thing. And the more I think of it, the more it requires prayerful community discernment via the Holy Spirit’s leading. And with that, I think we need to instruct our congregations on what freedom in Christ means vis-a-vis Matthew 18, Galatians 5, and Romans 14. Otherwise, we won’t be prepared for the task ahead.
I agree with your points here, but as a related question, when/where does the idea of righteous anger at injustice, oppression against "the least of these," etc. fit into this idea? Is it that pastors, because of their public role, should not express that? Or should none of us, because that is only for the Lord Himself to express? Curious what you think.
I have Kari’s questions (below), as well. But the more I consider them, the more complicated and situational they appear to be. How do we weigh and address the “stronger” and “weaker” brothers and sisters at the same time we’re pursuing unity? How do we refrain from scapegoating while retaining a prophetic voice in love? Conscience and conviction are things that should be respected, whether the conclusions are right or wrong. Nuance is real and we’re all (hopefully) just trying to honor what glimpses of God that we’ve experienced and acquired in our lives. How do we toe the line on protecting unity while also speaking with prophetic conviction in the name of advancing Biblical justice? Ethics is a tricky thing. And the more I think of it, the more it requires prayerful community discernment via the Holy Spirit’s leading. And with that, I think we need to instruct our congregations on what freedom in Christ means vis-a-vis Matthew 18, Galatians 5, and Romans 14. Otherwise, we won’t be prepared for the task ahead.
I agree with your points here, but as a related question, when/where does the idea of righteous anger at injustice, oppression against "the least of these," etc. fit into this idea? Is it that pastors, because of their public role, should not express that? Or should none of us, because that is only for the Lord Himself to express? Curious what you think.
Wise, as always, Jay