A Primer for Conflict

Christians always will have a conflict with the world, the flesh, and the devil, and the Spirit will consistently be striving against the flesh. There are several other types of conflict in which the Christian finds himself obligated to address: heresy, moral issues, conflicts of individual consciences, issues of doctrinal interpretation, etc. JoshHoward has laid out the principles, very clearly giving us biblical advice about how to decide the issues that deserve our attention even in the face of conflict, how to avoid unnecessary engagement, the attitudes with which we should approach the various kinds of disagreements, and biblical encouragement to a deep sense of stewardship of the truth. We must choose our hills well and then defend them with full ardor. This book will help us all be better stewards of divine revelation as well as reflectors of Christ’s compassion and resolution.

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men”(Rom. 12:8). “Pursue peace with all men” (Heb. 12:14). But we are also commanded to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” ( Jude 3)—and the Christian experience is repeatedly pictured as warfare (Eph. 6:10–18; 2 Tim.2:3–4). We seek peace, but we face relentless conflict. Therefore, every Christian must be skilled as both a peacemaker and a warrior.Fulfilling those two seemingly antithetical duties is a difficult balancing act. Josh Howard skillfully shows from Scripture why neither duty should ever eclipse the other, and he gives extremely helpful and practical advice on how to pursue both objectives simultaneously in a sanctified, Christlike manner. This is an important and timely guide for Christians, especially in this era of social media and supercharged public discourse.

Conflict will always be a reality in a sin-cursed world, certainly from the unbelieving world but even from within the church. Yet Scripture is sufficient to navigate conflict. Josh Howard has provided a very helpful guide to applying the sufficient Word to the various kinds of conflict we might face, all with the goal of growing our own faith and bringing ultimate glory to God.

Josh is a wonderful brother, faithful pastor, and deep thinker. Josh is thoroughly exegetical in his examination of any topic, and this is no exception. I have been blessed to know Josh for many years now and am grateful for his insightfulness and charity. I am even more grateful that he saw fit to pen his thoughts concerning conflict. This is an important book written at a crucial time. It is not surprising that the church deals with conflict from within and conflict from without. However, these recent days have shown us we have difficulty navigating conflict in such a way as to stand our ground while glorifying God in our standing. In this book, Josh shows us how to see conflicts, fight amid conflict, and glorify God amid it.

While most Christians work to avoid conflict, either between the church and the world or even the church and itself, most Christians are also woefully underprepared to handle it when it in evitably arises. I can heartily recommend Dr. Howard’s work on this topic, not only because of the quality of the material but also because I know that the material stems from his passion to shepherd God’s flock more faithfully. Dr. Howard’s endeavor to train Christians in conflict resolution stems from his pastoral responsibility and not merely as an academic exercise. There clearly is a dearth of resources on this topic, and I believe that this particular primer for conflict and conflict resolution will be a valuable addition to any Christian’s arsenal.

Josh Howard is a dear friend, pastor, and writer who handles God’s Word with the utmost integrity. His ability to write critically and pointedly provides clarity to Scripture and its application to the believer’s life. The primer on conflict he has written is so needed at this time in our churches and culture.