REPLIES-Discussion Thread: Leading in Diversity through Christian Faith
Prepare response on two discussion post below, reply with at least 350 words with its own citations and references.
Kaci B.
As Christians, the Bible ought to be our source of truth applied in all areas of our lives. When it comes to our perspective and response to cultural diversity, the Bible is clear. God is the author and creator of a diverse world, and those unique differences are both intentional and beautiful.
One of the most magnificent aspects of God’s story is that God often calls the most unexpected to play key roles. For example, God called the son of a moon worshiper to be the Father of all nations (ESV, 2001, Genesis 11-12). A Hebrew slave lead a nation out of captivity from under a powerful Egyptian empire (ESV, 2001, Exodus 3). A Nazarene baby is God incarnate and saves the entire world from their sins (ESV, 2001, Matthew 1:21). A murderer of Christians is converted and leads the early church, writing much of the New Testament (ESV, 2001, Acts 9). God does not show partiality to nationality, wealth, education or status and the Bible is clear that we are not to show favoritism either. Galatians 3:28 (ESV, 2001) says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.
In God’s story, the humble are elevated. We are called to be servant leaders, not seeking how we can be glorified and served but how we may serve others. With respect to cultural diversity, this means seeing the needs and struggles of other minorities as opportunities to love and serve.
God cares for the weak, dejected, and poor, even when mankind turns away. He calls his people to do the same. In the Old Testament, God’s people are instructed to be kind to strangers (ESV, 2001, Leviticus 19:33-34). When harvesting their fields, for example, some should be left for the poor to gather (ESV, 2001, Leviticus 23:22). Jesus demonstrated the greatest example of how we should care for others. He cared for and healed the sick and those with health conditions that made them outcasts to society (ESV, 2001, Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:32-34; Luke 8:40-48). He spent time with women and children, who in those days were often overlooked and considered unworthy (ESV, 2001, Luke 18:16). He called the church to care for widows and orphans (ESV, 2001, James 1:27). In Acts, as the early church was forming, people sold all of their possessions to give to the poor (ESV, 2001, Acts 2:45). In God’s economy, treasure is stored in heaven, not on earth where moths and rust destroy (ESV, 2001, Matthew 6:19-21).
In the Creator’s eyes, all people have equal and valuable worth. We are called to love others, just as God loves us (ESV, 2001, 1 John 4:19-21). God sent his son to die for the whole world, not simply one race or demographic (ESV, 2001, John 3:15). Heaven will be filled with people from all nations, tribes, and tongues– all worshipping the same God together (ESV, 2001, Revelation 7:19). As Christians, we should be known for the love we have for others. John 13:34-35 (ESV, 2001) summarizes, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Chad D.
First, we need to follow the commandments of scripture regarding how to treat others, no matter what type of climate or environment we find ourselves in. If the authorities above us are oppressive, we are the light that encourages the diversity God has given us. If our curriculum is not promoting pluralism, we can make our case for changes but make our classrooms a place where proper multicultural education is present that encourages each cultural difference. Peter tells us in his first letter, chapter 2, that no matter what the authorities do, how we live and our actions will bless others (New International Version, 1973/2011).
Christ set the example by embracing differences among all people but realizing the truth that we are all one in him (New International Version, 1973/2011). As a leader in schools, I am going to strive to celebrate the diversity in creation and help foster gifts students have received from God.
One of the greatest needs we have in leading schools through cultural diversity is to be able to acknowledge the weaknesses of the systems and processes in the past without harsh judgment. Christ tells us not to judge others in the sermon on the mount in Matthew 7 (New International Version, 1973/2011). This, and many other parts of scripture, warn us about judging others. Through this course, I realize that when I have tried to apply that biblical truth to my life regarding judgment, I usually focus on individuals, and individuals in the present. Institutions, organizations, systems, processes, historical themes… I seem to have no problem judging them harshly. I need to acknowledge their shortcomings and use them to learn to be better for my students and our schools. The failure of cultural diversity in the schools is evident, now, we can learn from it and improve rather than dwell on the past in judgment. I will aim to be more empathetic and see things beyond my perspective. That is where we have gotten in trouble in our schools. We are facing a history of centuries of trying to get others to conform to be like us. I will hold fast to Philippians 2:4 where Paul tells us to look at the interests of others and not our own (New International Version, 1973/2011). Through this mindset, we can lead in the area of cultural diversity.
