Cultural Norms vs Biblical Teachings in Conflict Situations
Biblical teachings sometimes present a different perspective on conflict than prevailing cultural norms. While some cultural norms might seek to avoid conflict at all costs, biblical texts acknowledge that conflict is an inherent part of life and can even be necessary [6, 7].
The Bible recognizes the reality of war and the need for preparation. For instance, the book of Judges suggests that generations of Israelites needed to learn the "art of war" and be "inured to martial discipline" through conflicts with other nations [5]. Similarly, the Psalms speak of God teaching hands to war, implying that skill in warfare can be divinely imparted [2]. Proverbs also highlights the importance of "wise counsel" in conducting war, suggesting that strategic planning and seeking divine guidance are crucial before engaging in conflict [8]. This perspective contrasts with a view that might see all conflict as inherently negative or avoidable.
Beyond physical warfare, the Bible also addresses doctrinal and interpersonal conflicts. The apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy, warns against those who "teach otherwise" or present doctrines different from biblical truth, indicating that theological disagreements can lead to necessary confrontation [4]. In matters of civil disputes among believers, the book of Ezekiel suggests that controversies should be brought before the church for judgment and determination, rather than being taken to secular courts [3]. This indicates a biblical preference for internal resolution of conflict within the community of faith, guided by spiritual leadership.
Jesus himself acknowledged that his coming would not always bring outward peace, but rather division, stating, "Think not ye that I am come to send peace on earth" [7]. This suggests that adherence to biblical teachings can sometimes lead to friction with existing cultural norms or even within families, as individuals choose to follow Christ's teachings over societal expectations [6]. The parables of Jesus also illustrate the need for careful consideration and preparation when engaging in any significant undertaking, including spiritual commitments, likening it to a king preparing for war [1].
Sources
- Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 14:30: Or what king going to make war against another king,.... Our Lord illustrates the same thing, the business of a profession, by another similitude, or parable; taking up a profession of religion, is like to two kings engaging in a war. The king on the one side, is the Christian professor; true believers are kings, they have the apparel of kings, the royal robe of Christ's righteousness; they live like kings, at the table of the King of kings; have the attendance of kings, angels ministering unto them; have crowns and thrones as kings have, and greater than theirs; and h”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 18:33: He teacheth my hands to war,.... From whence it appears, that war, in some cases, is lawful; and that all the skilfulness and art in training men for war, in the use of armour, in marshalling of armies, in forming sieges, &c. is all from God; see Psa 144:1; and so is all that spiritual skill, in making use of the whole armour of God against every enemy, sin, Satan, and the world; and even the wisdom and skill, counsel and instruction, which Christ as man and Mediator had, when it was the hour and power of darkness; when he was engaged with principalities and powers, ”
- Ezekiel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ezekiel 44:24: And in controversy they shall stand in judgment,.... When any controversy arises among the saints concerning civil things, this shall not be carried into a court of judicature, of the men of the world; but it shall be brought before the church, and there heard, tried, judged, and determined; the ministers of the word there presiding, who shall give the definitive sentence, and stand to it, and abide by it, Co1 6:1 and when any controversy arises about the doctrines of the Gospel, or modes of worship, or rules of discipline, they shall rise up, discuss the point, det”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 6:3: If any man teach otherwise,.... Or another doctrine, as the Syriac version renders it; a doctrine different from what the apostle had now taught, concerning the duty of servants to their masters; as did the false teachers, who despised dominion or government; not only civil government, and so spoke evil of rulers and magistrates; and church government, and therefore reviled the apostles, elders, and pastors of churches; but family government, and encouraged disobedience to parents and masters; see Pe2 2:10 or teach another doctrine, from that of the Bible, of Chris”
- Judges (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Judges 3:2: Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know and teach them war,.... That is, the following nations were left in the land, that the young generations of Israel might by their wars and conflicts with them learn the art of war, and be inured to martial discipline; which, if none had been left to engage with, they had been ignorant of: besides, their fathers in Joshua's time, as Jarchi and Kimchi observe, had no need to learn the art of war, for God fought for them; they did not get possession of the land by their own arm, and by their sword, but by the ”
- Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 12:50: Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth?.... To set up a temporal kingdom, in great pomp, and outward peace and tranquility? Christ came to make peace with God for men, and to give the Gospel of peace, and spiritual and eternal peace to men; but not external peace, especially that, which is not consistent with the preservation of truth: I tell you, nay; whatever suppositions you have made, or whatever notions you have entertained, I solemnly affirm, and you may depend upon it, I am not come into the world on any such account, as to establish outward peace am”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 10:33: Think not ye that I am come to send peace on earth,.... The Jews had a notion of great outward peace and prosperity in the days of the Messiah; which was grounded on several prophecies of the Old Testament, not rightly understood by them; and the disciples of Christ had imbibed the same notion: wherefore our Lord thought fit to let them know the contrary; and that they must not expect outward ease and quiet, and worldly tranquillity would attend their ministry; for though he came to be a peace maker between God and sinners, by the blood of his cross; and was both th”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 24:5: For by wise counsel thou shall make thy war,.... Counsel, as well as strength, is necessary for war: kings and states, before they enter on a war, should not only well consider the justness of their cause, but should consult whether they have a sufficiency of men and money to carry it on; and should concert the wisest methods to attack the enemy, or defend themselves; and, above all, should ask counsel of God; see Kg2 18:20. And this is true of our spiritual warfare with sin, Satan, the world, and false teachers; which requires not only strength to wage war with the”