Phoenix Affirmations #5

5. Engaging people authentically, as Jesus did, treating all as creations made in God’s very image, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, nationality, or economic class;

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This affirmation is a big deal because excluding different people has been a shameful part of the history of Christianity for a very long time. Women have been (and still are sometimes) relegated to inferior status. There were (and are) places where people who were ethnically different were excluded. There are also many less obvious prejudices that show up. The very old and the very young can be shoved to the side, as can the mentally or physically challenged. And, of course, homosexuals still face terrible discrimination.

But that's not the whole story, and it never has been. There have always been Christians who have understood that this kind of discrimination is contrary to the loving God we serve and especially to the ministry of Jesus, who embraced and associated with people regardless of the prejudices of his time.

Since the beginning of Christianity there has been a struggle. On the one hand there are people who consider themselves better than others, and who find ways to shut others out. On the other are people who want to practice a radical kind of grace and acceptance, as Jesus did.

That's a witness as old as the faith, and one which we strive to continue.