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Forbearance: A Theological Ethic for a Disagreeable Church
Offers a faithful, constructive way to deal with dissent
What happens when we approach disagreement not as a problem to solve but as an opportunity to practice Christian virtue?
In this book James Calvin Davis reclaims the biblical concept of forbearance to develop a theological ethic for faithful disagreement. Pointing to Ephesians and Colossians, in which Paul challenged his readers to "bear with each other" in spite of differences, Davis draws out a theologically grounded practice in which Christians work hard to maintain unity while still taking seriously matters on which they disagree.
The practice of forbearance, Davis argues, offers Christians a dignified, graceful, and constructive way to deal with conflict. Forbearance can also strengthen the church's public witness, offering an antidote to the pervasive divisiveness present in contemporary culture.
What happens when we approach disagreement not as a problem to solve but as an opportunity to practice Christian virtue?
In this book James Calvin Davis reclaims the biblical concept of forbearance to develop a theological ethic for faithful disagreement. Pointing to Ephesians and Colossians, in which Paul challenged his readers to "bear with each other" in spite of differences, Davis draws out a theologically grounded practice in which Christians work hard to maintain unity while still taking seriously matters on which they disagree.
The practice of forbearance, Davis argues, offers Christians a dignified, graceful, and constructive way to deal with conflict. Forbearance can also strengthen the church's public witness, offering an antidote to the pervasive divisiveness present in contemporary culture.
- GenresTheology
240 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2017
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52 people want to read
About the author
James Calvin Davis
12 books1 followerJames Calvin Davis is the George Adams Ellis Professor of Liberal Arts and Religion at Middlebury College (VT), where he teaches ethics and Christian Studies.
http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/r...
His most recent book, released in February 2021, is American Liturgy: Finding Theological Meaning in the Holy Days of US Culture (Cascade). In this book, Davis uses essays on (mostly) secular holidays to reflect on the insight progressive Christian faith can bring to American identity, as well as the wisdom American culture sometimes can shed on our responsibilities as Christians.
His last book, Forbearance: A Theological Ethic for a Disagreeable Church (Eerdmans, 2017), offered guidance for how Christians can see the challenge of navigating religious, moral, and political disagreement as an opportunity to practice virtue, and in doing so to model for the world a better way for living with difference.
A Reformed Christian theologian and expert on religion in American public life, Davis writes widely on the ways Christianity has contributed (positively and negatively) to a range of moral issues in the United States, throughout the nation's history and today. In his writing, lecturing, and teaching, he insists that historical and theological perspectives can offer needed wisdom for a healthier public life in the US.
A graduate of the University of Virginia, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a life-long Steelers fan, Davis lives in rural Shoreham, Vermont, with his wife Elizabeth and their two sons.
http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/r...
His most recent book, released in February 2021, is American Liturgy: Finding Theological Meaning in the Holy Days of US Culture (Cascade). In this book, Davis uses essays on (mostly) secular holidays to reflect on the insight progressive Christian faith can bring to American identity, as well as the wisdom American culture sometimes can shed on our responsibilities as Christians.
His last book, Forbearance: A Theological Ethic for a Disagreeable Church (Eerdmans, 2017), offered guidance for how Christians can see the challenge of navigating religious, moral, and political disagreement as an opportunity to practice virtue, and in doing so to model for the world a better way for living with difference.
A Reformed Christian theologian and expert on religion in American public life, Davis writes widely on the ways Christianity has contributed (positively and negatively) to a range of moral issues in the United States, throughout the nation's history and today. In his writing, lecturing, and teaching, he insists that historical and theological perspectives can offer needed wisdom for a healthier public life in the US.
A graduate of the University of Virginia, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a life-long Steelers fan, Davis lives in rural Shoreham, Vermont, with his wife Elizabeth and their two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 12, 2017
Summary: Commends the practice of and virtues related to forbearance, as encouraged by Paul in Ephesians and Colossians as an ethic for dealing with theological differences within the church.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13, NIV)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2, NIV).
The political landscape of the U.S. and other countries is not the only place where one might find division and rancor. Sometimes this arises within church denominations and even individual congregations. At times, this can be over something no more significant that the color of the new sanctuary carpet. At other times, these differences may be over matters of theological conviction, often ones carrying personal consequences. It is deeply troubling to see fractures and fragmentation in the one body of Christ. Currently, we are witnessing such occurrences around the Church’s understanding of human sexuality, and particularly its beliefs about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and other expressions of sexual orientation and identity, and the kinds of practices that will be affirmed (or not) and how the church will welcome and embrace persons who identify in these ways.
James Calvin Davis writes to churches facing these disagreements as a pastor of a mainline Protestant church and commends the biblical practice of forbearance, commended by the apostle Paul in the passages quoted above. It is clear from references to LGBT persons, and theological differences concerning LGBT sexuality, that this is the particular concern out of which this work arises, although the principles Davis enunciates, and the importance of cultivating the virtues related to forbearance have far wider implications, not only for church but for society.
He begins with a brief exegesis of the passages I have cited and discusses how important the practice of forbearance is as an alternative to destructive forms of theological conflict in the church. He then, in chapters 2 through 6, explores five important virtues implicit in the practice of forbearance: humility, patience, wisdom, faithfulness, and friendship grounded in love.
Perhaps two of the most important chapters are 7 and 8, which address concerns of truth and justice. Concerning truth, he discusses the importance of taking truth and conviction seriously, but also being open to study, to learning from others, and to changing one’s convictions. Likewise, his chapter on justice addresses what may be the most significant critique of forbearance, that it is commending a form of gradualism or “waiting” against which Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke in his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Forbearance is not the same as waiting but rather a posture of how one deals with those with whom they differ even as they press for justice.
Davis concludes this work with arguing that for Christians to learn the practice of forbearance in disagreements within the church may be crucial to contribute to recovering civility in our public squares and political discourse. Clearly it stands to reason that if the church that confesses “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” cannot do this, how may we expect it of a broader society. It has been argued that the forms of congregational and representative government developed in the churches of the Reformation served as a training ground for a democratic republic. Might something like this pertain in our own day as well?
There is much with which I resonated in this argument about forbearance. I’ve long been troubled by how easily churches have divided from each other, and how such divisions undermine the church’s witness. That said, I found a subtle subtext in this work that concerned me that Davis’s formulation of “forbearance” will neither accomplish what is hoped for and may leave the church more vulnerable to apostasy.
First of all, there is a subtle implication in Davis’s writing that should churches practice forbearance, this will not only engender greater respect between differing parties, but that eventually they will embrace more progressive perspectives, rather than those historically embraced by the church. Davis does not seem to envision a process where progressives come to re-affirm a historic position, or a new synthesis that embraces both historical understandings of theological conviction coupled with a compassionate and consistent ethic that affirms the dignity of all. For those on the historic side of some of the conflicts Davis discusses, his proposal could feel like a slightly more genteel form of a war of attrition.
It is also troubling to me this doesn’t adequately (at least for me) speak to how the Church responds to issues from racism to nationalism to the resurgence of gnostic versions of Christianity that the church rejected early on as inconsistent with the Incarnation. Are we to forbear those who commend these beliefs in the church? Scripture uses different language, that of refutation for such beliefs, and those who hold them.
I found myself deeply torn reading this work. I am in great sympathy with the virtues the author commends and think that there are many disputes that might be resolved, or where we could “agree to disagree” while focusing on central truths where we share common ground. Yet I’m troubled both by the bias in Davis’s argument, and what I think is an insufficient recognition that forbearance and vigilance must walk hand in hand. The same apostle Davis commends also writes, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1Timothy 4:16, NIV). Forbearance is one part of a “both-and” that includes vigilance. This is what it means to be a community shaped by both grace and truth.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13, NIV)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2, NIV).
The political landscape of the U.S. and other countries is not the only place where one might find division and rancor. Sometimes this arises within church denominations and even individual congregations. At times, this can be over something no more significant that the color of the new sanctuary carpet. At other times, these differences may be over matters of theological conviction, often ones carrying personal consequences. It is deeply troubling to see fractures and fragmentation in the one body of Christ. Currently, we are witnessing such occurrences around the Church’s understanding of human sexuality, and particularly its beliefs about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and other expressions of sexual orientation and identity, and the kinds of practices that will be affirmed (or not) and how the church will welcome and embrace persons who identify in these ways.
James Calvin Davis writes to churches facing these disagreements as a pastor of a mainline Protestant church and commends the biblical practice of forbearance, commended by the apostle Paul in the passages quoted above. It is clear from references to LGBT persons, and theological differences concerning LGBT sexuality, that this is the particular concern out of which this work arises, although the principles Davis enunciates, and the importance of cultivating the virtues related to forbearance have far wider implications, not only for church but for society.
He begins with a brief exegesis of the passages I have cited and discusses how important the practice of forbearance is as an alternative to destructive forms of theological conflict in the church. He then, in chapters 2 through 6, explores five important virtues implicit in the practice of forbearance: humility, patience, wisdom, faithfulness, and friendship grounded in love.
Perhaps two of the most important chapters are 7 and 8, which address concerns of truth and justice. Concerning truth, he discusses the importance of taking truth and conviction seriously, but also being open to study, to learning from others, and to changing one’s convictions. Likewise, his chapter on justice addresses what may be the most significant critique of forbearance, that it is commending a form of gradualism or “waiting” against which Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke in his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Forbearance is not the same as waiting but rather a posture of how one deals with those with whom they differ even as they press for justice.
Davis concludes this work with arguing that for Christians to learn the practice of forbearance in disagreements within the church may be crucial to contribute to recovering civility in our public squares and political discourse. Clearly it stands to reason that if the church that confesses “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” cannot do this, how may we expect it of a broader society. It has been argued that the forms of congregational and representative government developed in the churches of the Reformation served as a training ground for a democratic republic. Might something like this pertain in our own day as well?
There is much with which I resonated in this argument about forbearance. I’ve long been troubled by how easily churches have divided from each other, and how such divisions undermine the church’s witness. That said, I found a subtle subtext in this work that concerned me that Davis’s formulation of “forbearance” will neither accomplish what is hoped for and may leave the church more vulnerable to apostasy.
First of all, there is a subtle implication in Davis’s writing that should churches practice forbearance, this will not only engender greater respect between differing parties, but that eventually they will embrace more progressive perspectives, rather than those historically embraced by the church. Davis does not seem to envision a process where progressives come to re-affirm a historic position, or a new synthesis that embraces both historical understandings of theological conviction coupled with a compassionate and consistent ethic that affirms the dignity of all. For those on the historic side of some of the conflicts Davis discusses, his proposal could feel like a slightly more genteel form of a war of attrition.
It is also troubling to me this doesn’t adequately (at least for me) speak to how the Church responds to issues from racism to nationalism to the resurgence of gnostic versions of Christianity that the church rejected early on as inconsistent with the Incarnation. Are we to forbear those who commend these beliefs in the church? Scripture uses different language, that of refutation for such beliefs, and those who hold them.
I found myself deeply torn reading this work. I am in great sympathy with the virtues the author commends and think that there are many disputes that might be resolved, or where we could “agree to disagree” while focusing on central truths where we share common ground. Yet I’m troubled both by the bias in Davis’s argument, and what I think is an insufficient recognition that forbearance and vigilance must walk hand in hand. The same apostle Davis commends also writes, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1Timothy 4:16, NIV). Forbearance is one part of a “both-and” that includes vigilance. This is what it means to be a community shaped by both grace and truth.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 19, 2019
Perhaps one of the best books I've read in 2019. It encourages Christians to cultivate the virtue of forbearance so that we can handle our disagreements with charity for the sake of the body of Christ. Forbearance encompasses listening, patience, humility, love, friendship, truth, and justice and probably more that I am not remembering as I type this. The author mentions some controversial topics but he does not tell the reader how to think about them, which I appreciate. Thus it is left up to the reader, in light of the Word, where those lines are drawn. Even with drawing these lines, it is also left up to the reader specifically how to forbear over specific issues. Davis isn't advocating caving on one's convictions at all. Neither is he saying that we should ignore serious errors/heresy. I am sure I will be going back to this book in the future.
May 12, 2021
I want to say that despite disagreeing theologically with the author, the virtues that Davis puts forth are admirable and, I think, worth pursuing.
That being said, his lack of exegesis and meaningful interaction with authors who disagree with what he says weakens his argument. There is a great deal of statements beginning with “people say...” and “people are hearing...” why not cite authors who are saying these things?
The other issue I had with this book is that there was no way of seeking out biblical truth. It seems forbearance does not have the end goal of uncovering biblical Christianity, but is a goal in and of itself.
For these reasons I am unable to give this book a positive review.
That being said, his lack of exegesis and meaningful interaction with authors who disagree with what he says weakens his argument. There is a great deal of statements beginning with “people say...” and “people are hearing...” why not cite authors who are saying these things?
The other issue I had with this book is that there was no way of seeking out biblical truth. It seems forbearance does not have the end goal of uncovering biblical Christianity, but is a goal in and of itself.
For these reasons I am unable to give this book a positive review.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews