This charge is frequently made by people who do not want to deal with the substance of the question asked. This can occur in many settings, but one classic place is within the church. If you ask a question that challenges the way things are done and/or beloved traditions, you will not long be welcomed. If the inquiries on your part are threatening because they have at least some validity, be ready for divisive (or some synonym) to begin flying left and right.
It is possible, of course, that when we ask hard questions we are also being divisive. This has much to do with the attitude we take when asking. As we think about our own motives, we ought to ask if we are truly doing what we are doing out of love for others. That's a hard one. It's all too easy to challenge silly traditions just to make a point.
There are times when we must challenge things within the church when they are just plain wrong. Martin Luther certainly did this. He was called divisive (or something like it in Latin). He was called far worse. Luther's purpose was to reform the church due to its numerous abuses. His desire, as history shows us, didn't work out. He had to leave (not the church but Catholicism).
The modern American church is full of all sorts of problems. Some of these stem from sin in people's lives. Some come from the effects of living in a fallen world. Others are related to comfortable traditions and/or structures that have taken institutional hold of much of the church. Whatever the cause, many of these serious flaws in the church need to be challenged and questioned.
We must be aware, however, that even if we challenge charitably, we will likely be labeled divisive. This can occur quickly and forcefully. There are few things more angry and mean than Christians whose cherished and heretofore unquestioned traditions are, in fact, questioned.
Don't worry. When you do ask questions in a loving manner there will be many brothers and sisters in Christ who will not scorn you. The difficulty is often the dreaded vocal minority. They will come after you fairly ferociously.
When we speak the truth we must do so in love. We should also expect retaliation. One of the first things heard will be the cry, "Divisive!"
Are you ready?
6 comments:
I'm so glad that you wrote this post! I have been thinking this of myself in my own church, wondering if I am causing problems more than helping when I question things. It is nice to look at it in a different light!
Heather,
Thank you for commenting, and I'm glad you liked the post.
As long as our motivations are loving, we need to ask hard questions. Otherwise, the staus quo will just sort of sail along as always. Those in positions of authority are sometimes extremely resistant to change, but others aren't. I suppose it depends on the person. Regardless, I encourage you to keep asking.
Eric,
It's quite amazing that to have a dissenting view is to be labelled divisive.
It seems that, according to those of the status quo, dissent is seen as ATTACK. Their response of "divisive" is a defensive ATTACK in order to hold ground for which they have no grounds other than tradition.
Eric,
I recently blogged about being divisive. A Facebook friend of mine (and pastor) put it this way: "Division does not immediately come from disagreement but rather from those who take action upon it." Disagreement is not being divisive. I can disagree and not cause division at all.
If the powers that be don't like the questions you ask and ask you to leave the church, THEY are the ones being divisive. They want to divide you from the rest of the church when they ask you to leave.
John,
How sad it is. The almost automatic reaction of those with vested interest in the status quo is to yell about division. I'm glad this is not the case with all Christians, but we certainly know it is common. I suppose all we can do is try to be humble and loving while continuing to ask questions.
Steve,
I read your post and agree completely. It is sad that so many of those in "authority" quickly paint any dissent as division. It allows them to remain in unquestioned power and at the same time not change anything.
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