PetrChelcicky wrote: ↑Tue Aug 24, 2021 12:47 pm Well, I have a problem with Galatians 5. And it is grounded in my study of sociologist Ralf Dahrendorf. (He was in the end a member of the British House of Lords, so he is perhaps not completely unknown in the Anglosphere.)
Dahrendorf argued that conflicts (for instance, of interests) are normal, and that our problem is rather conflict denial, conflict avoidance and conflict suppression. This is normally done by denouncing people who speak about the conflict and support one side of it, telling that they are just creating the conflict and calling them troublemakers.
Dahrendorf's father was, as a lawyer, involved in the early labour movement, and what Dahrendorf had in mind was particularly the (Christian) conservative habit to see labour movementers simply as troublemakers and hoping for a government which would stop the trouble (which led them to support National Socialism as the solution which would make all conflicts between employers and employees disappear).
Thus, in my eyes, "divisions" are a normal expression of existing conflicts and should NOT be avoided.
We must not be hostile, but we should treat the existing differences and conflicts matter-of-factly.
i believe your use of “we” refers to Christians, maybe Christians on this forum? maybe Anabaptists on this forum? or other?
this thread’s subject line refers to MN, so, maybe “we” refers to posting MN members?
for me, conflict on this forum is a strange thing.
on one hand, i deeply dislike it. sometimes i become so hurt or frustrated i just want to run away and forget i ever read it.
some members have acted on this and have left to not return. some have left and return. some take breaks and return. i’ve done this. not recently. altho i think about it. for my benefit and others’.
“the strange thing” being, for me ..
conflict brings out some of THE BEST personal explanations and defenses of Christianity and conservative Anabaptism/conservative Mennonites that can be found. depth that doesn’t often come up among those in agreement or general agreement.
of course, i empathize that these treasures often result out of pain or frustration. i’m sorry about that.
but, the treasures are so valuable .. how else? where else?? it’s a conundrum.
further, the persons in direct conflict often do not appear to resolve anything. so that’s frustrating.
but, other readers benefit! sometimes exponentially. (i attest to this.)
it’s not us, it’s the Holy Spirit that determines outcomes. the Holy Spirit does not fail.
Isaiah 55:11
https://biblehub.com/isaiah/55-11.htm
10For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat,
11so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.
12You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.…
When i’m in my right mind thinking about it (not often enough)
it can seem almost comical (in a deeply humbling way) how easy it is to get caught up in the moment, feeling either success or failure,
when, think of Jesus Christ Himself! How often rejected, when ALL He has to offer is unblemished Truth!
so. how can “we” believers complain, or be discouraged (when others do not understand, or even make an attempt)?
in this perspective, i hope and pray capable others are not discouraged.
remember Jesus, and, trust the Holy Spirit. if what we share is Truth, Truth will not fail.
.. if we are faithful believers, and wrong, then we should want to be corrected and not continue in error. a time for joy.
i DO NOT intend to say conflict is always good.
however, good/godliness can result from conflict, and, all results may not be immediately known. a human frailty is putting too much weight on the power of self+now, rather than trust+faith in God, Our Father, and His timing.
