Tonight at Disciples History and Thought class, Dr. Clark W. Gilpin asked us to think of the "theological problem of our time." Although there could be many good arguments about a number of "problems" (maybe, even, the problem of using the word "problem" so much), I thought that our world seems to be in a peculiar position: dealing with difference.
As our world has grown in connectivity due to our globalizing social tendencies, our encounters with people of difference has simultaneously increased. We come across people of different faiths, traditions, cultures, political views, sexual orientations, interests ,etc. The intersection of these differences is not leading to healthy appreciation of each other, but seems, at least to me, to lead too often to resistence. And this resistence can lead to conflict and violence, especially when difference is either ignored or demonized. We haven't done the best job getting to know each other, coming to appreciate diverse perspectives, or learning from each other.
As a Disciple of Christ, I have a rich heritage filled with concerns for unity. This has been a rallying cry for many congregations and ecumenical efforts. I think we can live into our spirit of "unity" by theologically addressing a central problem of our time: difference. Most importantly, I find it particularly pressing to consider unity-in-difference, similarity but not sameness. We need to find theological grounding to live, breath, and act amidst a plurality of people--to reside peacefully beside our sisters and brothers; and not just those who call themselves "christians" or "Americans" or "liberal."
I believe there is ample theological space for considering unity-in-difference, but, alas, I shall not work that out here and now. All I will say is that I affirm the importance of: openness toward difference, looking for similarity, and celebrating our togetherness--a togetherness we need if we plan to live a better tomorrow.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Theological Problem of our Time
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Yes, but what if our difference lies in a fundamental disagreeance in...ah...nevermind...I am just trying to sound like I know what I am talking about, which we both know I don't. Hope life is going well buddy. Hope and Love, Jake
ReplyDeleteNo, Jacob, I really do see your point. The problem isn't just THAT we disagree, but HOW we disagree--which is what I'm trying to address. Your thought, I think, is deserving of space and consideration. It's obvious THAT many people disagree, and even quite vehemently, but is there a way to avoid conflict and violence if we can figure out better HOW to disagree?
ReplyDeleteFrom my perspective, standing within a Disciples of Christ tradition, we have a particular heritage which--in theory--celebrates disagreeance, yet focuses its unity on the act of coming together in the Lord's supper. This willingness to look for a shared, common ground is the condition for overcoming our differences (not in eliminating our differences,but in living beside each other in our differences). What do you think?