"We embrace differences when they fall within our market-driven, politically correct framework but rarely when they disrupt our status quo."
It is no question that diversity/inclusivity is one of the core values of our emerging generation. However, in his post, Lyons is specifically questioning whether or not this "en vogue" diversity has room for inconvenient people, like children with Down Syndrome. It's a great, thought-provoking article and I encourage you to read it.
I don't want to hijack his article because his primary concern that "people with down syndrome have been targeted for extinction" is one that warrants serious consideration. But, his criticism struck me more broadly and made me think about my own commitment to diversity as well as that of the Church.
I am passionate about allowing the Spirit, through the gospel, to expose, evaluate, and exterminate the idolatrous allegiances we have to "our people" that seem to so often trump unity in Christ. I am passionate about seeing the Church embody the kind of diversity that characterized the first century church and in some ways legitimized their witness to the supernatural power of the gospel (See John 13:35; 17:20-21 in the context of what would on a global and in some cases local level become an incredibly diverse church of slaves, freeman, Jews, Gentiles, Samaritans, men, women, Italians, Africans, etc).
And yet, have I...have we...limited our categories of diversity to what in the end amounts to be "cool", convenient, and pretty superficial?
Ethnic diversity yet economic/educational homogeneity? Aggressively making room for different races yet indifferent toward, at best tolerant of, those with mental and physical limitations?
Don't have an answer. Just reflecting. None of the above is easy and every sincere effort in any above category is at least good start. But it's definitely making me think.
No comments:
Post a Comment