Do bullies have free rein in our churches? Who are the bullies? What is scapegoating? Is it possible to practice the mercy and forgiveness demanded by Gospel ethics while also protecting people from emotional and professional damage? These are some of the questions that Stephen Finlan seeks to answer, looking for an ethic of behavior that is both spiritually valid and psychologically wise. He seeks responses to bullying that are both «wise» and «harmless» (Matt 10:16), that do not leave people helpless against the cruelty of church bullies. Bullying has become a major concern in schools and workplaces, but the church sometimes lags behind the secular workplace in its ethics.
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Stephen Finlan. Bullying in the Churches
Bullying in the. Churches
Abbreviations
Introduction
1 — The Problem and the Response
2 — The Jesus Response
3 — Causes of Bullying
4 — Bullying Behaviors and Targets
5 — Preventive Practices in Churches
6 — Protecting Vulnerable People
7 — A Way Forward for the Churches
Bibliography
Subject Index
Author Index
Scripture Index
Отрывок из книги
Stephen Finlan
1 Cor First Corinthians
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The most amazing statement of forgiveness was when Jesus forgave his killers from the cross (Luke 23:34). Again, his considerate approach gave people a chance to exercise their conscience, if they hadn’t suffocated it completely. What we always see is that, although he was mistreated, he did not revile; “he did not return abuse” (1 Pet 2:23).
Jesus responded to the guard’s bullying by making a calm and truthful statement about improper behavior, but it requires a sensitive observer for this to take effect. The truth will be preserved if there is any sensitive observer (like the centurion) to appreciate it. This may be one of the meanings of “Let anyone with ears listen!” (Matt 11:15; 13:9; Mark 4:23). Truth is handed on by anyone who hears it. Jesus presents it as a gift; not saying that we must hear him, but that anyone who can hear him shall receive what he is giving. Truth is a gift that blesses all who receive it, not a hammer that pounds people into obedience.
