Please do not confuse antagonism with criticism or conflict in general. Congregations might do well to adopt the terminology of the British Parliament, calling those in differing camps the “Honorable Opposition” and then understanding that antagonism is destructive conflict and the intentions are not honorable. A person who questions or criticizes also might be called an “activist” – and that is someone who is truly devoted to a cause that is pushing for change. They may do some “pot stirring” if they think it will help their cause but one can always see that they really care deep in their heart about the issue they are fighting for. They are “issue” orientated and not “person” orientated. Remember, antagonist want what benefits them – like attention, power and control. Also please note that everyone is going to have a bad day and act like an antagonist once in a while. Without excusing such behavior - we are all human and on occasion we are all selfish, headstrong – even malicious towards others sometimes. The difference is in the ferocity of the attacks, the tenacious quality of the attacks and if it is an on-going attack. From: Antagonists in the Church by Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 22:01:26 +0000
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