CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction .1 Outlook .1 Outlook
While there is an immense diversity of opinions on conflict, there are really only a couple of conclusions that arise from these opinions. First, there is the idea that Christians must learn from the secular world about this topic. Representative of this idea is Bradshaw (2015:17), who writes:
The church is a place where the private worlds of individual faith intersect with the public world in unique and important ways. While the theories and processes that guide secular organizations are applicable – and beneficial – to the church, they are not enough. As we will explore, the role the social sciences and organizational development play in church leadership is important, but because of the God dimension, churches need something more theological than just secular theory. Part of our struggle in addressing conflict in the church is that many conflict resolution methods make more use of social sciences than of our deep theological convictions and resources. We need both, however, to understand our inner workings and vision for mission. God must be in the equation.1
For Bradshaw, the significance is making sure that God is part of the discussion. The question that must be asked of this first conclusion is: “Should the two be mixed?”. Should there be an integration of ideas? Some would say “yes”, and some would say “no”. Is this just a matter of opinion? Who should make the final decision?
The second conclusion is represented by Lederach (2014:144-146) who gives this testimony:
During years of consulting, I have found that the most common view of conflict in church circles is that conflict is sin. In this way of thinking, conflict demonstrates that people are falling from the straight and narrow way. Working with and through conflict is essentially a matter of making sure people “get right with God.” My experiences have led me to question this rather spiritualized view and to appreciate a different biblical and theological understanding of conflict. Typically, we have not looked into conflict as a theological issue to be explored. Usually, we simply count a party in
1 This idea is similar to that of Hunsinger and Latini (2013:xix) when they write about the use of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), developed by Marshall Rosenberg, in the church setting: “We are committed to placing NVC into a specifically Christian context so that it will support the ministry of the church”. Such a decision makes their work decidedly not a BTOC even though it may be beneficial.
opposition to “our group” to be also in opposition to God. When faced with conflict, many of us in the church operate by a series of understood but unexpressed rules and guidelines. I call them the “Unspoken Ten Commandments of Conflict in the Church.” The Unspoken Commandments are not exclusive to church circles; social scientists would suggest that they are rooted in a series of common dynamics that accompany conflict as it escalates.2
Lederach’s observation leads to the final conclusion that is the heartbeat of this study, namely to explore conflict in God’s Word in order to learn how He views and uses conflict. Once that is established – called a BTOC – then the other conclusions can be evaluated as to their feasibility.
The problem with this conclusion is that it has not been done so far. As is demonstrated in this literature review, there is no BTOC to be found. There are some partial ones that are examined, but no BTOC with which to compare and contrast. This study, then, is dedicated to beginning that pursuit.
The challenge for this conclusion is demonstrated in the discussion on worldviews by Hiebert (2008:loc. 6783) who makes the following statement:
Worldviews change in two ways: through growth and through radical shifts. Normal transformations in worldviews are precipitated by surface contradictions, life’s dilemmas, and new experiences that canno be resolved by simply acquiring more information, enhancing problem – solving skills, or adding to one’s competencies.
Resolution of these dilemmas requires a change in our worldviews.
As this study has begun in earnest, the challenge for change is understood and appreciated. It is the researcher’s hope (and confidence) that God’s Word will bring about that change as it is explored for a BTOC.
2.1.2 Topic
Four key ideas are discussed in this review. The treatment of each topic is undertaken from an informative perspective, in that since no BTOC has been discovered, what has been ascertained informs a contemporary understanding of a BTOC.
The first concept addresses the question of why conflict is studied. As will be demonstrated, it is a pertinent topic that is discussed in a multitude of settings and resources, but in the vast majority
2 See Annexure 1 for his actual list of 10 commandments.
of cases, it is done so almost reluctantly and often superficially. Should that hesitancy be the case? Is there value in exploring conflict?
The second concept addresses the question of why biblical theology (BT)3 is used for this study.
What makes this avenue the most suitable for this task? As will be demonstrated, its suitability is especially seen in its associated relationship with conflict; none of the other disciplines have that same intrinsic connection.
The third concept addresses the question of why the particular passage in Romans is used for this study. What is there about this pericope that engenders the development of a BTOC? As will be demonstrated, the principled or holistic tactic is key.
And, the final concept addresses what characterises a BTOC. If one were to discover a BTOC, what would it look like – of what would it be comprised? These characteristics were then used to assess the feasibility of 15 potential BTOCs.
2.1.3 Context
So many believers have their opinion about conflict and what God thinks about conflict, and there is nothing wrong with that situation. However, the problem lies in the fact that these opinions must be examined as to their accurate reflection of what God has revealed in His Word regarding conflict. How is conflict a part of God’s narrative that He has revealed to mankind? While aspects of this notion have been explored previously, what is missing is a BTOC where God’s story (concerning conflict) is allowed to take precedence and be used by the Holy Spirit to provide that assessment of previously held beliefs about conflict. It is a missing tool in the tool belt of the believer.
2.1.4 Significance
With so many diverse opinions about conflict within the Church, and with so many Christian resources available about conflict, why is more material required? The reason is that those opinions, findings, and conclusions have not been scrutinised as they should be with reference to God’s discussion of conflict as recorded in the Bible. Why that is the case can only be speculated, but the result is a gap in conflict studies, understanding, and teaching that needs to be filled. This research is the beginning of that attempt.
3 From this point forward, Biblical Theology is abbreviated to BT.
2.1.5 Problem
Has God provided sufficient revelation of His view and use of conflict in His Word? If so, what is the answer and where does one find it? The answers are abundant, but an assessment of those answers is lacking. So, where is a BTOC? If there is not a BTOC, then what is the current status of conflict understanding that can be fruitful to the development of a BTOC?
2.1.6 Organisation
This literature review is structured in three main sections. The first section is the background of the search for a BTOC that presents answers by scholars to four questions.4 The second section reveals the findings and assessment of 15 potential BTOCs. The final section describes the impact of the findings upon the beginning development of a BTOC.