The Bible, Conflict, and Moving Forward

I have been working very closely with Pr. Josh Chapman of Colville Assembly of God.  The relationship is at once life giving and challenging.  Some time ago, we began to have the conversation about relating to one another out of a fullness of understanding and an appreciation for the authenticity of our Christian experience.  It helped that we both read Rob Bell's "Love Wins" (I thought it thought provoking, Josh thought it deeply troubling/borderline heretical) recently and we could talk about how our traditions are rooted in scripture and 2000 years' history.  In the past few months Josh has begun to use translations other than the King James.  At the same time, I have been frantically scrambling to catch up to his biblical literacy.  What has emerged is an appreciation for our different locations in the journey of discipleship.  Our language is different, our experience is different, and yet we take seriously the scriptures and the God revealed in them.  In particular, we have found purchase in contemporary metaphors and the day to day life of rural ministry.  We will still have disagreements, but because we have made it this far in relationship to one another and Christ I expect that they will be more constructive than not.  

Eric-

I believe Borg is right and this is the fundamental issue that is facing the ELCA. I really value the decision that was made in 2009 by Churchwide saying that we are going to find a way to live together despite our differences on the matter of sexuality. However, as you point out, the differences run much deeper than just this one issue and are based in how we arrive at those different opinions (how we read and encounter Scripture has a major affect on where you find yourself on this and many other issues that cause conflict between people of faith). The challenge is now finding a way to live together despite those differences, and the challenge is remarkably difficult and many wonder if it can be done.

However, your expereince in Colville lifts up a couple things that are and need to be central if there is to be any serious movement forward. First and foremost, there needs to be a high level of respect and honoring each other's view even though we may disagree with each other. Also, that respect can't just be empty words, but with touchy issues like Biblical Interpretation that respect and honor must be experienced by both parties as well. It's not enough to say, "I see where you are coming from," and then totally trash/reject the opinion. We need to search for the strengths that each side brings to the argument and well as be honest with each position's weakness - especially our own. (I'll grant you, that this is much easier said than done.)