A Theology of Disagreement… A disagreement is a situation in which two parties do not have the same opinion. A disagreement occurs, most observably, because no two parties are exactly the same and both parties are naturally morally corrupt. A disagreement may not initially be morally consequential or result in immoral conduct between two parties. A disagreement may also start out immorally by one or both parties, and proceed quickly to conflict or a range of other relationally-charged actions. What have we covered? We experience disagreement as a part of human existence. We experience disagreement most fundamentally because of how our are affected by that is in the world. We experience disagreement over virtually everything: We can disagree about what . We can disagree about what it . We can disagree about what is . We can disagree about what is . We can disagree about what we should about . We can disagree about what we should . We can disagree about what we are with . We can disagree categorically: Doctrinal / Ethical / Preferential / Perspectival We experience disagreement for potentially many and varied reasons: We can disagree because we differently (what we perceive is going on). We can disagree because we differently (what influences our biases). We can disagree because we differently (what we care about or value). We can disagree because we differently (what we think is appropriate). We can disagree because we differently (what is pleasing to us). We can disagree because we differently (what forms our reasoning). We can disagree because we differently (what convinces us). What should we do now? It matters how we view and handle disagreement. (Romans 14:7-12) We can seek to grow in and apply truth, unity, love, and wisdom in viewing and handling disagreement. In practical terms, we should pursue growing up in Christ which will change the way we view and handle disagreement. Do I need to own any sin for the way I have been (or am) involved in disagreement? Do I have any habits of mind or interaction that could unnecessarily contribute to disagreement (or disagreement handled poorly)? Do I actually plan to prioritize the virtues of Christ in approaching disagreement? Give yourself to putting off vices of the flesh and putting on the virtues of Christ… Romans 12:1-21 and 13:1-14; Ephesians 4:17-5:21; Colossians 3:1-4:6 James 1:1-5:20; 1 Peter 1:1-5:14 The (MORE/LESS) you are walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:13-6:10); actually eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-16); a doer of the word, not a hearer only (James 1:19-27); showing the wisdom from above, not earthly wisdom (James 3:13-18); getting to know people as the people they are (Philippians 2:1-11); the (MORE/LESS) you will view and handle disagreement faithfully. We can wait with hope for the day when the way we view and handle disagreement will forever be changed. (Isaiah 35:1-10)