Identity and Inclusion

     Emergent Christians are known for an inclusive message, one that invites everyone to the table; one that affirms many journeys and experiences. The affirmation of these other journeys, however, does not preclude a sense of one’s own identity. While we affirm the rights of others to hold positions that differ from our own, we do not surrender our own affirmations.
    “Here we stand” can be misinterpreted to mean “We’re right and you’re wrong; we’re good and you’re bad.” An “us vs. them” mentality is not a constructive way to engage with those who disagree. It is not a contest to see who can score the most points. It is not a matter of who has the most persuasive debate. It is finding the validity of one’s own journey and the living of that journey in an authentic and faithful way.
     I affirm, respect, and honor the rights of others to hold ideas that differ from my own, but that does not imply that I affirm their conclusions; only that it is their privilege to have them.   I affirm, respect, and honor freedom of speech, and as others speak freely I will also.

Advertisement