Forbearance: A Theological Ethic for a Disagreeable Church

ISBN: 0802875106

Author: Davis, James Calvin

Condition: New

Offers a faithful, constructive way to deal with dissentWhat happens when we approach disagreement not as a problem to solve but as an opportunity to practice Christian virtue?In this book James Calvin Davis reclaims the biblical concept of forbearance to develop a theological ethic for faithful disagreement. Pointing to Ephesians and Colossians, in which Paul challenged his readers to "bear with each other" in spite of differences, Davis draws out a theologically grounded practice in which Christians work hard to maintain unity while still taking seriously matters on which they disagree.The practice of forbearance, Davis argues, offers Christians a dignified, graceful, and constructive way to deal with conflict. Forbearance can also strengthen the church's public witness, offering an antidote to the pervasive divisiveness present in contemporary culture.