EPISODE 11
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Everyone is fed up with the noise and antisocial behaviour in the town centre. So it seems to make sense for the church to lend their support to the community group trying to stop it. But what are the pitfalls in supporting a campaign that divides the church and the community? It seems like if they don’t get involved they will upset a lot of people, especially within the congregation. But on the other hand, if they do it’s going to create big problems for others. Whatever they do it seems like someone will be offended. Which should they choose? What needs to happen so that the stumbling is minimised or reduced?
We all need to know how to deal with situations we can get into without thinking. And it’s common to find that whatever action we take in certain situations someone will be displeased or even stumbled. This episode seeks to think through carefully how we ought to identify and avoid stumbling blocks in these kinds of situations.
The Concerning Scandal podcast applies the biblical principles of avoiding spiritual harm by looking at the real-life scenarios in which stumbling blocks arise. We can use the spiritual wisdom of James Durham’s classic book in situations we are all too familiar with.
To find out more, visit www.concerningscandal.com
FURTHER HELP
In the Bible offence not the same as making someone displeased. Rather it is something that causes them to stumble in their spiritual progress or offend against God’s Word. We can do this without meaning to do it. It also happens when we do and say the right things in the wrong way or at the wrong time and so turn people against what is right. To explore this issue further, you may find it helpful to read the article The Worst Kind of Offence in an “I’m Offended” Culture. George Gillespie describes as briefly as possible the various dimensions of the biblical principle of not causing others to offend against God’s Word.
GET THE BOOK
In The Scandal of Stumbling Blocks, James Durham helps us to consider this vital issue deeply by defining the nature of stumbling as well as showing its serious consequences. He looks in considerable detail at different kinds of stumbling and identifies the ways that people can stumble and be stumbled. Durham provides practical advice for avoiding and preventing offence.
Now edited in modern English, Durham’s classic treatment on considerate Christianity can be used to edify a new generation.