Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Student Workbook, SW16

1 6 8 /

D O I N G J U S T I C E A N D L O V I N G M E R C Y : C O M P A S S I O N M I N I S T R I E S

and not necessarily bad or wrong. Differences tend to alienate and divide groups, and may erect barriers between and among people, leading to paternalism, suspicion, and malice. • When differences are distorted or misunderstood they can become toxic, and lead to violence, abuse, genocide, and war. • Historically, Christians have responded to issues of war in three ways: total pacifism, the theory of the “just war,” and relative pacifism, a view which has emerged in light of the threat of nuclear destruction. • The response of Christian disciples in a world of alienation is to adopt a strategy of Christian peacemaking which acknowledges, celebrates, and welcomes differences among people in light of Christ’s incarnation. Such a strategy will cultivate practices which celebrate difference, encourage forgiveness and reconciliation, and which strive to demonstrate to all people the love and mercy of Christ, all in light of God’s clear standard of righteousness in the Word of God.

I. Dealing with the Concept of Difference in Today’s World: Culture

Video Segment 2 Outline

“Culture is that integrated, well-established, and communally defined pattern of behavior and worldview which influences the cognitive, affective, and evaluative dimensions of its expression.”

4

A. The present reality of difference in a multi-cultural and unchurched world

1. Mind-boggling diversity: thousands of cultures and sub-cultures

2. Formidable interpersonal barriers: the present

3. Dramatic gaps in wealth and socio-economic reality