Towards developing a Biblical Theology of conflict : conflict principles from Romans 12-16

Abstract

In its most basic form, biblical theology seeks to discover what God has to say about a topic or concept. Unfortunately, as this study demonstrates, little effort has been made to discover how God views and employs conflict, settling instead for a view of conflict where it is sinful and something to be rid of as quickly as possible. However, when Romans 12-16 is examined, a different view of conflict emerges; one where God's story proclaims Christ's work on the cross to enable the possibility for mankind to respond correctly to conflict as well as employing conflict in bringing believers to a place of sacrificial living in response to God's mercies. And that godly lifestyle will necessitate right responses to conflict as one lives out that sacrificial life in this fallen world. Therefore, this study pursues the genesis of a biblical theology of conflict (based upon the conflict principles found in Romans 12-16). The study also develops a conflict narrative to aid in evaluation of conflict, provides a means of imparting clarity and consistency for further conflict discussions, and visualizes an understanding of what is involved for each individual in resolving conflict. The result is a foundational understanding of how God views and uses conflict that will hopefully encourage others to join in continuing to develop this much needed biblical theology of conflict.