Christianity's Radical Roots in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."   Galatians 3:28

At the time of Jesus’ life and ministry, the region we now call the Middle East exhibited a complex set of societal power structures. The Roman Empire held overarching control over much of the region, but local and religious authorities strongly influenced people’s everyday lives. In Judea, the Jewish religious leadership, particularly the High Priest and the Sanhedrin, held significant authority. Society was highly patriarchal, with men holding dominant positions of authority within families and communities, while social class also played a significant role in determining access to power and influence.

Within this landscape, Jesus’ ministry inspired a movement that challenged the status quo: what we now know as early Christianity.  It wasn't just a new religion; it was a radical experiment in diversity and inclusion. Although it began as a movement within Judaism, it quickly transcended boundaries of ethnicity and social status. Jesus welcomed the marginalized – the sick, the poor, the outcast. His ministry was a powerful testament to inclusion and the early church became a refuge for those on the fringes of society.

Not surprisingly, Jesus' message of radical inclusion posed a significant challenge to the authority figures of his time. This resulted in a variety of reactions, primarily characterized by hostility and fear from those in power.  He was repeatedly challenged by the religious authorities for his practice of associating with people they considered to be “unclean.” To them, Jesus’ teachings challenged their legitimacy, control, and influence over the people.  Indeed, the gospels cite many examples of the debates over interpretations of scripture between Jesus and the Pharisees. The Romans were primarily concerned with avoiding costly uprisings and saw Jesus as a challenge to peace and stability.

Over the centuries, the church has faced many struggles with diversity, struggles which challenged the early church and continue to challenge us today. But as we face a world grappling with all sorts of divisions, Jesus’ core message of radical love and inclusion remains profoundly relevant.  Let's remember that the origin story of Christianity is one of bridging divides and building a community where everyone belongs. 

 “The hand cannot say to the eye I don’t need you. We are all members of the One body.” 1 Corinthians 12

My sincere hope is that revisiting the origins of Christianity will remind us that true community is built on embracing our differences.

Jerry Kahrs