For weeks now I've been studying the material and better defining my own viewpoints on these issues. I disagree with this study deeply and profoundly but it is LOVED by the women of this Bible study. I love healthy respectful debate about different theological viewpoints. I love understanding other people's interpretations of scripture and comparing them to my own. I think that it is an important part of learning. None of us should be proud enough to say that we have a perfect understanding of God or His word. The best way to learn is in the community of Christ so that iron can sharpen iron. But in a Bible study like this, I think that expressing my very different (and very minority) viewpoint would be destructive to the group and to my opportunity to form relationships and serve others. I am not good at keeping my mouth shut. If someone says something that I disagree with, then I like to talk about it. I'm not an aggressive or disrespectful person. (If you knew me, you would have no doubts about that one.) I just enjoy comparing different points of view. So I plan to sit quietly through this study but it's going to be really, really, REALLY hard. If there is an opportunity to speak then I will find a gentle, positive way to point the issue more towards my own viewpoint without criticizing the author, her viewpoint, or those who love her.
So have you ever been a part of a group with which you did not have much theological common ground? What did you do? Why did you stay in spite of the differences? What would you do differently next time? All input welcome!
And in case you are wondering the study is about, then here's an article that is a good representation of my views of the issues relevant to this study. http://cicministry.org/commentary/issue98.htm
Posts
2 comments:
I did the Esther study by Beth Moore at my house. All of the girls were baptist (southern, missionary, or general) except for two (Church of Christ) and girls I knew (coworkers, church friends, old college friends. I was disappointed when the two didn't come back after the first meeting. My friend said it was too far to drive and they would do the study with some friends. I don't know if they did. I am not sure why they decided not come, and was hurt at first. We went on and it was great. I guess in times like this we are to pray....for others with differing beliefs, for ourselves to stand strong in our faith, and for wisdom in how to handle the situation. I have a coworker who does not believe who MY Jesus is. So I deal with this on a daily basis.....sharing Him with her through my daily walk.
I don't know what the study is, but I can understand how torn you feel.
Post a Comment