Pause for thought
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Mass and Social Media lately has been filled with stories about politicians interpreting what it means to embrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As is usual in the case of politics these issues are being used to obscure real issues and polarize people into taking “sides” often leading to egregious hypocrisy and perverting scriptural principles for power and influence. As Christians (Jesus followers) we should examine what the scriptures actually say and seek the opinion of Jesus on the matter.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are deeply rooted in biblical principles, reflecting God’s character and His vision for humanity. When practiced in alignment with God’s Word, these concepts promote unity, justice, and mutual respect, embodying the kingdom values Christ taught. However, when distorted for political or divisive agendas, they lose their spiritual significance, becoming tools of discord rather than harmony. To grasp their biblical foundation, it is crucial to explore scriptural examples and understand their implications for unity within diversity.

Diversity in Creation and the Body of Christ

The concept of diversity is woven into the fabric of creation. Genesis 1:27 declares, “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This foundational truth underscores the inherent value and dignity of every human being, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. God’s design for humanity is diverse, reflecting His infinite creativity and desire for a multifaceted world.

In the New Testament, Paul’s analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12 emphasizes the importance of diversity within unity. He writes, “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12, NLT). Just as a body functions optimally when all its parts are working together, the Church thrives when individuals bring their unique gifts and perspectives. This diversity is not a weakness but a strength, enabling the body of Christ to reflect God’s glory in manifold ways.

Equity: God’s Justice for All

Equity, often misunderstood as mere equality, goes deeper, reflecting God’s commitment to justice and fairness. Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a just and impartial judge. In Deuteronomy 10:17-18, we read, “For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice; he shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing.” Here, God’s care for the marginalized demonstrates His equitable nature, ensuring that those who are most vulnerable receive the support they need.

The early Church exemplified equity in action. In Acts 4:34-35, believers shared their resources so that “there were no needy people among them,” and “those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.” This practice reflects a community committed to addressing disparities, ensuring that everyone had what they required. Biblical equity is not about sameness but about meeting people where they are and providing for their specific needs.

Inclusion: Welcoming All into God’s Family

Inclusion is a central theme of the Gospel. Jesus’ ministry was marked by a radical inclusivity that shattered social, cultural, and religious barriers. He consistently reached out to those marginalized by society—the poor, sinners, tax collectors, Samaritans, and women. In John 4, Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman is a powerful example. Despite the cultural and religious tensions between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus offered her living water, demonstrating that God’s love transcends human divisions (John 4:10, NLT).

The inclusion of Gentiles into the early Church further illustrates this principle. In Galatians 3:28, Paul declares, “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse underscores the transformative power of the Gospel to unite people from all walks of life into a single family under Christ. Inclusion, therefore, is not a modern construct but a reflection of God’s eternal plan.

It is important to note however that inclusion does not imply endorsement or promotion of the lifestyles of those being included. In Jesus’ interactions with extreme cases — tax collectors, adulterers, etc. — he included them, but then admonished them to change to God honoring living, “go, and sin no more”! Our inclusion into the family of God should be for providing the freedom to change, not for legitimizing sinful actions.

Unity Is Not Uniformity

While the Bible advocates for unity, it does not demand uniformity. Unity celebrates diversity while fostering harmony, as seen in Revelation 7:9: “After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.” This vision of heaven showcases the beauty of diversity within God’s kingdom. Each culture, language, and ethnicity is preserved, yet all are united in worshiping the Lamb.

Uniformity, on the other hand, erases individuality and stifles the richness that diversity brings. Biblical unity does not require everyone to think, act, or look the same but calls for a shared commitment to Christ and His purposes. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:3, believers are to “make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” This unity is rooted in love, humility, and mutual respect.

The Danger of Weaponizing DEI

When diversity, equity, and inclusion are stripped of their biblical foundation, they risk becoming tools for division. Politicians and interest groups may weaponize these concepts to advance their agendas, creating tension rather than fostering understanding. This distortion undermines the spiritual significance of DEI, reducing them to ideological battlegrounds rather than principles that honor God’s design.

As Christians, we are called to reclaim these values in their biblical context. By reflecting God’s love, justice, and mercy, we can model a more excellent way—a way that values every person, seeks justice for the oppressed, and invites all into the transformative power of Christ’s kingdom.

Conclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not mere cultural buzzwords; they are reflections of God’s heart. When understood and practiced biblically, they foster unity, honor God’s image in every person, and advance His kingdom on earth. By grounding our approach in Scripture, we can resist the temptation to let these principles be co-opted for divisive purposes, instead embodying the love and justice of Christ in a broken world.

Blessings on you and yours, Jim Black

P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study

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