Even We

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The opening chapters of Christena Cleveland’s “Disunity in Christ” are convicting and eye-opening. She succinctly describes the operational thinking of almost every Christian, and then systematically tears that thinking apart. She describes her “Right Christian, Wrong Christian” model, which every Christian, I think, can relate to in one form or another, and exposes it for the hypocritical, un-Christian process that it is.
               It is disturbing to me the extent to which I can see this ideology in others and in myself. While I hope that I am not an extreme example of this belief, I am certain that I display qualities of it from time to time. “Right Christian, Wrong Christian” ideology is easy to slip into, a mode of thinking that takes little effort since we are bred into it.
               I can see the ideas of group polarization and homogeneity in my church back home. I see it in the racial and ethnic singularity and in the tendency to view certain other groups of Christians as “mistaken” or “misled”.
               I can see these ideas on Dordt’s campus. I see it in the way different races and ethnicities clump together. I can see it in the “if you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much” slogan that is tossed around like it has no meaning, when in fact it means much more than the speaker seems to know. I see it in the way different reformed denominations and reformed churches and reformed colleges fight mercilessly against each other, condemning one another, and refusing to acknowledge their own shortcomings.
               Personally, I struggle with finding what my definitions of “Right” and “Wrong” Christian are. Perhaps that is a good sign: maybe I lack this sort of bias. Or perhaps it is dangerous: what if I am simply unaware of my unconscious biases and judgements? Of late, I have come to doubt that anyone can truly know with certainty that they are in the right, when it comes to philosophy and religion and ethics. There is always, always a margin of error that has to be admitted.
               That seems to be a good place to start. Admitting our own potential for error. It is easy for Christians to read the Bible, find their interpretation, and then stand on that: “I am right, everyone who thinks differently is wrong and reading the Bible incorrectly”. What if, however, you are the wrong one? What if your interpretation is in error?
               We can never be fully certain. Some people may find that terrifying. I know I have spent hours in conversation with people wiser than me about this very subject. It is hard to reconcile our own shortcomings with our faith. However, I believe the first step toward reconciling differences, overcoming our “Right” and “Wrong” labels, is to admit that even we can be wrong.
               Even we.

Comments

  1. AmeliaSeptember 10, 2018 at 8:29 PM

    I thought the same thing about myself and Dordt while reading this chapter. I would like to think that I am above labelling "right and wrong" Christians, but I caught myself doing it the very same day I read these first two chapters. It is terrifying to think that we are interpreting the bible wrong, but I think keeping it in perspective and focusing on the key teachings of Christ, we can set aside the fear and be open minded to people's different takes or translations of scripture.

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  2. UnknownSeptember 11, 2018 at 3:05 PM

    I like how you said that we need to accept that we can be wrong. Obviously we need to have faith and full confidence that we are right about salvation issues (Jesus death and resurrection and salvation through His name alone). However, on the other issues, I think it would be wise to humble ourselves, accepting that we cannot know everything and that we may not have the right interpretation. This will lead to more unity among Christians worldwide, as we would be more willing to accept other ideas. Yet, at the same time, we need to be careful not to get to generous in accepting other interpretations. For then we might accidentally accept a false gospel.

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  3. Kirbee Van De BergSeptember 17, 2018 at 3:02 PM

    As I've mentioned in other comments, I, too, can relate immensely to Cleveland's Right vs. Wrong Christian illustration. Though aware that implicit biases are "natural" to an extent, recognizing one's pride is never a pleasant surprise and, I agree, such unproductive thought processes are extremely easy to slip into--even if unintentionally. Very interesting insights on the connections to campus life at Dordt, as well as the hypocritical actions of Reformed colleges. And so true! Further, great comments on the fleeting objectivity of truth. I often ponder these same questions. While I am certainly one of those who finds your margin of error philosophy nerve-wracking, I believe that critical evaluation of ourselves and our motives is extremely important, and should certainly take precedence over the judgment of others. Great post!

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  4. Tara BoerOctober 6, 2018 at 4:46 AM

    I appreciate your position of humility when it comes to interpretation of scripture. Unfortunately, a lot of people believe that they "know" and forget our fallible nature. I am confident that if you continue to assume your position of humility, you will be rewarded with fresh revelation from the Lord about his will and truth. Good writing

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