The political situation in the US has become so divisive this century that researchers have published several books on handling conflict or having difficult conversations.
Two additional thoughts:
- Any reading of US history reveals that this period is not unique
- This situation exists in many (most?) areas of the world
Writing is thinking. Since I claim to be a follower of Jesus, curiosity aroused within to discover how he handled conflict. I have been researching for some time and begun writing a slender volume of examples and thoughts.
Jesus was a rabbi. This fact is uncontested in the gospels. There was both a process to become recognized as a rabbi and a culture among rabbis. Part of the culture, I believe still today, entails deep memorization of the essential texts and the ability to debate your points versus other schools of rabbinic thought.
The gospels, especially John, portray these arguments often as attacks on Jesus. Indeed, he was different from the two mainline schools thus inviting debate.
But he also faced real conflicts. Internal (confronting the devil’s temptations in the desert) and physical (the threat of stoning the woman caught in the act of adultery).
What patterns have I uncovered so far in my thinking?
- Jesus was secure in his mission given to him by God
- He possessed the internal strength to confront others with God’s words
- He possessed the internal strength, courage, and appropriate calm to face physical threats with grace
- His “emotional quotient” was such that he could find the appropriate level of response
These are qualities that we can, through practice, also acquire. And we should.
More thinking to come.
Thoughts?
Faith Venture 
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