Who's in,Who's Out?

Abstract

Disputes among competing factions are commonplace features of contemporary church life in North America. They highlight the tension between unity and diversity that is a perennial aspect of ecclesial existence. Help in negotiating the tension and even alleviating disputes may come from an odd source: first-century Pharisees and their disputes with Jesus. Three short narratives in Mark's Gospel provide insights into possibilities for committed conversation in the church that can focus the church's attention on God rather than itself.