The Jesus movement gathered in Jerusalem to decide how inclusive the nascent Church was going to be. As St. Luke describes the debate in the Acts of the Apostles they could only come to that decision after finding the proper methodology. St. Peter, and then Paul and Barnabas, argued “from below.” Look at the evidence all around you and see how the hand of God has been present in attracting ever widening circles of followers to Jesus. St. James argued “from above.” We have to be faithful to what the Scripture and the Tradition tell us. Coming to the right decision demanded that both perspectives be taken into account. As then, so now — we must remain true to the rich heritage of the Church all the while being sensitive to the new ways that God is at work in the world.
