The recent controversy surrounding World Vision has caused me to reflect upon how various segments of the church deal with conflict. As I recently watched the movie Noah, I was again reminded that the story of Cain and Abel demonstrates the root cause of human conflict (Genesis 4:1-16). We must be reminded of two things: (1) this is a conflict between brothers provoked by envy; and (2) this is a religious conflict. One more thing, this is an example of how conflict between brothers should not be resolved.
The Bible is filled with examples of conflict between siblings: Isaac and Ishmael, Esau and Jacob, and Aaron and Miriam were conflicted with Moses. In the New Testament, the apostolic church was conflicted about the inclusion of Gentiles. The conflict was resolved when siblings (brothers and sisters in Christ) came together to pray, consult the Scriptures, and discern the Spirit (Acts 15). This is a model of Christian conflict reconciliation. Peter and Paul are considered the apostolic pillars of the Christian Faith. Even so, there was a time when they were in profound conflict. The conflict was resolved when they met and confronted the issue face to face (Galatians 2:7-14). There were times when the conflict could not be resolved because of the hard-heartedness, or hard-headedness, of the parties involved; or because the issues were so divisive. In those instances, excommunication became necessary (1 Corinthians 5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 3:5). However, it should be noted that nowhere in the New Testament is imprisonment, persecution, or execution justified in matters of religious conflict.
Church history tells a different story. I have often read with disbelief the stories about the conflict between Athanasius and Arius. The lies and intrigue, the politics and violence, betray the primary Christian ethic of love. Yes, the issue was very significant and the divide between the parties was deep. Cities rioted. Bishops were imprisoned and exiled. Several centuries later the church faced another major conflict. We call it the great Reformation. It could also be called the great apostasy. The hate and violence that consumed European civilization was a religious conflict fueled by passionate theologians and greedy politicians (or maybe I should say greedy theologians and passionate politicians!). It is amazing that even as the church has succeeded in mutilating the body of Christ, the Holy Spirit continues to work through the church for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Just as the conflict between Athanasius and Arius consumed the Roman Empire, and the Reformation inspired horrible atrocities against fellow Christians throughout medieval Europe, the present contentious dialogue within the church regarding homosexuality is a public spectacle. I am not suggesting that we should cease for the sake of unity and peace. Yes, we must have unity and peace. But true unity and peace will not be achieved by suppressing the dialogue, but by engaging in serious dialogue. Like the apostolic church we must come together, pray, seek the Scriptures, and discern the Spirit (and the spirits). Like Peter and Paul, we must be willing to confront each other face to face for the ultimate goal of peace and unity. We should never resort to violence in resolving conflicts. Jesus reminds us that we should not be condescending or violent in our words as we confront one another (Matthew 5:21-22). Also, when discussing theological issues a healthy dose of fear – fear of God – tends to encourage humility which is necessary for the unity of the Faith and mission of God (Philippians 2:1-5). We must seek to be reconciled and offer forgiveness, even among those with whom we will never agree.
I am not privy to the details that led to World Vision’s initial decision to hire homosexual couples; nor to the details that led to their retraction. But it appears that the initial decision was made without consulting their brothers & sisters in the Faith. When the decision was made public, their brothers & sisters felt betrayed and publicly confronted the decision. In doing so, they were holding World Vision accountable. That’s a good thing. It is regrettable that this family squabble became public. But since we are engaged in the public square, many of our quarrels will be in full public viewing. So, maybe we have an opportunity to teach the world how Christians can quarrel, resolve conflict, offer forgiveness and be reconciled, and then move forward for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
