Sunday, February 25, 2007
Exclusion and Embrace in Acts 19
A major theme in Acts is unity. Chapter 19 introduces Demetrius, a silversmith in the artisan community at Ephesus. This dynamic leader played on the fears of the Ephesians and villified Paul and the Christians, saying "there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be scorned, and she will be deprived of her majesty that brought all Asia and the world to worship her." The unity thus achieved in defense of the Ephesian god led to confusion, chaos, threat of violence, and further exclusion.
In his recent article, It's Not About Demetrius Lael Caesar quotes General Conference President Jan Paulsen who said, "In his message on the last Sabbath of the 2005 St. Louis General Conference, "It is important to know that God is not owned by anyone." "Including Demetrius," we might add, and including all our favorite groups, theologically Adventist, genetically Abrahamic, or otherwise."
Fear based unification has been all too common in the Christian tradition, most recently evident in the tactics of the Christian Right as explored in Margaret M. Mitchell's article, How Biblical is the Religious Right. Sadly, this method of exclusion, demonizing those who are different, is the antithesis of Jesus' example of loving our enemies and Paul's message of radical inclusivity. The New Testament method of creating unity is beautifully described by Miroslav Volf in his metaphor of Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation.
In an embrace we first extend our arms to the other, opening a place within us to receive the other and inviting the other to come. Then, we wait. Invading the others personal space would become aggression. If the other responds, the embrace is realized as our arms enfold one another each of us receiving the other into our own self. However, the embrace is not complete. Without the final step of re-opening the arms, the embrace would degenerate into oppressive assimilation. With arms re-extended we are allowed to maintain our individual identities, altered though they may be by having experienced the other's perspective. The final posture then demonstrates respect and offers an open invitation.
Promoting unity through fear mongering and exclusion leads to a divisive, violent, chaotic, superficial, and tenuous unity. Any difference arising within the community is then dealt with by further exclusion. (See the reaction of the Ephesian mob to Alexander and the current reaction of some within our own community to those with different ideas). On the other hand, beginning with opening ourselves to the other in a welcoming posture of embrace leads to a healing, loving, peaceful, generous, and lasting unity. In following the example of Christ we will then be prepared to maintain unity in diversity within our own community.
In his recent article, It's Not About Demetrius Lael Caesar quotes General Conference President Jan Paulsen who said, "In his message on the last Sabbath of the 2005 St. Louis General Conference, "It is important to know that God is not owned by anyone." "Including Demetrius," we might add, and including all our favorite groups, theologically Adventist, genetically Abrahamic, or otherwise."
Fear based unification has been all too common in the Christian tradition, most recently evident in the tactics of the Christian Right as explored in Margaret M. Mitchell's article, How Biblical is the Religious Right. Sadly, this method of exclusion, demonizing those who are different, is the antithesis of Jesus' example of loving our enemies and Paul's message of radical inclusivity. The New Testament method of creating unity is beautifully described by Miroslav Volf in his metaphor of Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation.
In an embrace we first extend our arms to the other, opening a place within us to receive the other and inviting the other to come. Then, we wait. Invading the others personal space would become aggression. If the other responds, the embrace is realized as our arms enfold one another each of us receiving the other into our own self. However, the embrace is not complete. Without the final step of re-opening the arms, the embrace would degenerate into oppressive assimilation. With arms re-extended we are allowed to maintain our individual identities, altered though they may be by having experienced the other's perspective. The final posture then demonstrates respect and offers an open invitation.
Promoting unity through fear mongering and exclusion leads to a divisive, violent, chaotic, superficial, and tenuous unity. Any difference arising within the community is then dealt with by further exclusion. (See the reaction of the Ephesian mob to Alexander and the current reaction of some within our own community to those with different ideas). On the other hand, beginning with opening ourselves to the other in a welcoming posture of embrace leads to a healing, loving, peaceful, generous, and lasting unity. In following the example of Christ we will then be prepared to maintain unity in diversity within our own community.
Labels: Acts, diversity, religion, unity
Comments:
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I agree with your essay, Brent.
I have noticed the difficulty with unity in our church stems from our historical concept of remnant and the notion that perfection should be attained prior to the second coming of Christ. I think our traditional beliefs on these issues have been the cause of division. Many EGW quotes can be brought forward on either side of the issue. It is refreshing to note that the Adventist Review and Jan Paulsen are being used as venues to promote inclusiveness. If one were to intellectually carry this to the conclusion, one would have to redefine our traditional ideas on remnant, etc. Fortunately, Jesus' life provides a powerful picture of being unified and demonstrates what the unifying principles should be.
I have noticed the difficulty with unity in our church stems from our historical concept of remnant and the notion that perfection should be attained prior to the second coming of Christ. I think our traditional beliefs on these issues have been the cause of division. Many EGW quotes can be brought forward on either side of the issue. It is refreshing to note that the Adventist Review and Jan Paulsen are being used as venues to promote inclusiveness. If one were to intellectually carry this to the conclusion, one would have to redefine our traditional ideas on remnant, etc. Fortunately, Jesus' life provides a powerful picture of being unified and demonstrates what the unifying principles should be.
# posted by 
: 7:13 PM
: 7:13 PM
Here is a more positive comment. Down with criticism!
I believe the unity you describe is powerful. It correlates with a wonderful, winsome, picture of God. This is the message that meets the needs of individuals today. Our society is so very polarized and narcissistic; God has been so poorly represented. Could this message of unity build upon basic planks within our denominational beliefs? If so, we could put forward a powerful, yet unique type of evangelistic effort. This would not necessarily be in a structured type of "crusade".
I believe the unity you describe is powerful. It correlates with a wonderful, winsome, picture of God. This is the message that meets the needs of individuals today. Our society is so very polarized and narcissistic; God has been so poorly represented. Could this message of unity build upon basic planks within our denominational beliefs? If so, we could put forward a powerful, yet unique type of evangelistic effort. This would not necessarily be in a structured type of "crusade".
# posted by : 5:59 PM
: 5:59 PM
I am with you on this one.
Let's not tell people why they are wrong but instead share how God is right. Sure, we only know in part, but the more I explore the little part that I know, God keeps getting better and better. Good news indeed.
Let's not tell people why they are wrong but instead share how God is right. Sure, we only know in part, but the more I explore the little part that I know, God keeps getting better and better. Good news indeed.
I know that our family in heaven will include people I never imagined, and I'll love it! I feel that the most powerful force here and now though, is people. Individuals, showing compassion, love, kindness, gentleness in everyday acts. I liked the "embrace" philosophy, not only in abstract, but in a tangible way. I'm not a "hugger" per se, but I think that human touch even in small doses, is so very meaningful in connecting with others.
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