Identity politics and the Forever Family ∙∙
For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. – Ephesians 2:14
Ephesians 2:15-19
15 He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups.
16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.
17 He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near.
18 Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.
The Rise of Identity Politics
The term “identity politics” has gained prominence in mainstream American culture only recently. However, the concept itself, although referred to by different names, has existed for millennia. In 1991, historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. explored this topic in his book, The Disuniting of America, where he discussed the growing influence and implications of identity politics.
What Is Identity Politics?
In its simplest terms, identity politics refers to the organization of social groups based on shared characteristics such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, social class, profession, culture, language, disability, education, occupation, gender, urban or rural habitation, or veteran status.
These categories often shape how individuals see themselves and interact with society, influencing political and social movements.
The Melting Pot: A Vision of Unity
For democracy to thrive, a shared cultural and societal foundation is essential. Historically, America was celebrated as the “melting pot” of the world, a term first coined in the 1780s and popularized by Israel Zangwill’s 1908 play, “The Melting Pot.”
The metaphor describes how immigrants “melt” into the culture they enter, blending diverse backgrounds into a harmonious whole. Through assimilation, heterogeneous individuals and groups became part of a unified American identity. People came to this country to become “Americans,” showcasing both unity and diversity.
Fractured Consensus
Today, the consensus that once united Americans appears to have fractured. Instead of focusing on what binds us together, society increasingly emphasizes differences. Conversations now revolve around:
- Privilege vs. lack of privilege
- Power vs. powerlessness
These differences, rather than serving as bridges for understanding, have become rallying cries for division. The fractures deepen as differences are affirmed and amplified, creating a culture of marginalization and conflict.
The Spirit of the Day: Herd Narcissism?
The prevailing attitude of the day seems to scream: “What matters most to me and those with whom I identify is my utmost priority.
This mindset prioritizes individual or group concerns over the greater good of society. The needs and perspectives of others are often ignored or dismissed. Could this be described as herd narcissism, a collective self-centeredness that prioritizes personal or group identity over unity?
A Higher Identity: Unity in Christ
As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to a different kind of identity politics. The question becomes: “Who or what do we identify with? What unites us and removes the divisions created by worldly identity politics?”
The answer lies in the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, He tore down the walls that separate people, offering a path to unity and reconciliation.
REFLECT & PRAY
The Lord Jesus Christ dismantled the barriers that divided people.
Father, thank You for providing a way for all people, across all times, to become one in Your eternal family. Help me to identify and remove any walls of division within my heart. May I welcome and embrace every brother and sister in Christ, reflecting the unity You desire for us.
INSIGHT
Identity Politics in Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome was deeply entrenched in identity politics, characterized by a rigid, class-conscious, and hierarchical society. Unlike modern societies, Rome lacked a middle class, dividing its population into two broad categories: upper and lower classes.
The Upper Classes
- Senatorial Class (Senatores): This class was shaped by political power. Members of the Senate held the highest status in Roman society, and their influence was rooted in governance and politics.
- Equestrian Class (Equites): This class was entirely based on wealth. If someone accumulated enough economic resources, they were seen as part of the equestrian class, no matter their political engagement.
The Lower Classes
- Commons (Plebs or Vulgus): These were freeborn Roman citizens who were not part of the upper classes.
- Latins (Latini): Freeborn residents of Italy who were not full Roman citizens.
- Foreigners (Peregrini) Freeborn men and women residing in Roman territories outside the Italian peninsula.
- Freedpeople (Liberti or Libertini): Former slaves who had either purchased their freedom or had been granted it by their owners.
- Slaves (Servi): Slaves were regarded as property under Roman law, with no legal rights. It is estimated that slaves made up about 25% of the population, serving as the backbone of Rome’s economy and labor force.
Identity Politics in the New Testament
The New Testament provides numerous examples of identity politics and the divisions it created among people. These divisions were often based on ethnicity, social status, and religious affiliation. For example:
- “I am of Paul,” “I am of Apollos,” “I am of Cephas,” “I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:12
- “Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.”John 4:9
- “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” John 1:46
- “Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman.” Colossians 3:11
- “Slave or free, male and female.” Galatians 3:28
Paul, witnessing the enmity and animosity caused by these divisions, was incredulous and asked, 1 Corinthians 1:13, “Has Christ been divided into factions?”
The Father’s Answer to Identity Politics
God’s response to the divisions created by identity politics was to establish one Forever Family. In God’s Forever Family, everyone is united as one.
- Everyone is welcome.
- Everyone is loved.
- Everyone is treated fairly and equally.
God’s Forever Family transcends barriers of class, ethnicity, wealth, religion, and gender, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds into a united community.
The Ultimate Sacrifice for Unity
Creating unity and overcoming discord, animosity, and hatred required the ultimate sacrifice. The Lord Jesus Christ chose to die to eliminate the divisions caused by identity politics, reconciling all children of the King for eternity.
The Division Between Jews and Gentiles
The divide between Jews and Gentiles was one of the most significant in history. The Law of Moses mandated physical separation, forbidding Jews and Gentiles from mingling, intermarrying, or sharing common spaces.
However, through Christ’s sacrifice, this hostility was abolished.
The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:15-19, “He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross. Our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.”
The Forever Family: Unity in Diversity
In the Father’s Forever Family, all of His children share the same privileges and gifts. This family fosters unity while celebrating diversity, making it the ultimate melting pot.
Through Christ, the walls of division have been broken down, and we are called to live as one body, united in love and purpose.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯2-16-2
© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 