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International Wolf Center
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Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 3/21/22
"Charge them before God not to quarrel about words,
which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.
- II Tim. 2:14
The International Wolf Center is located in northern Minnesota and is home to a resident wolf pack. Jo and I spent a very enjoyable morning there photographing the wolves and observing their interactions with one another. The alpha wolf, a majestic female, stood watch over the pack from an overhanging rock while the rest of the pack played, rested, or occasionally fought to establish their position in the pack. These two fought briefly until the lighter colored one backed off in submission. This is the way the hierarchy in wolf packs is maintained. Quarrels are a necessary and beneficial part of a wolf's life, but a very unnecessary and destructive part of life in the Christian church. Too often strong opinions about doctrinal positions lead to quarrels that divide believers and promote hurtful and ungodly behavior which paints a poor image to a watching world. Churches have split over all manner of things from the type of music used to the role of women in public worship to which translation of the Bible is allowed and countless other differences. And all the while, the world laughs and walks away. Doctrinal positions are indeed important and adherence to scripture is necessary, but differences in understanding must be dealt with in the context of a family with forbearance and a desire to unite, not to conquer. Sadly, one of the greatest hindrances to the advancement of the Christian faith is the in-fighting among professing Christians. Sometimes winning an argument is just not worth it. More minds are changed by modeling grace and forgiveness than by defeating a supposed enemy. Some doctrines must be defended at all costs, but many more are just not worth the damage they cause. Choose your fights wisely. The world is watching. - John
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