Diagonalization

One of my pet hates is false dichotomies. That is imagining things to be opposites when they are not. Either science or God is the explanation for how the universe came to be. She is that way because of nature (her genes) or nurture (her upbringing). Everything that politician (perhaps Trump or Adam Bandt) says is a bad idea. My motives were entirely good. If you vote ‘no’ for the voice referendum, you do not want to listen to indigenous people.

Dichotomies have a long history, and they also have a natural appeal. Something cannot be two opposite things at the same time – right?

We also seem to be living in a time in history when people are moving more to the right and left, that is, to extreme positions. Either you think everyone is unique and equal, or you discriminate. You are pro or anti-China. Fossil fuels are practical, or they are evil.

The gospel often has a way of cutting across our dichotomies. Think about the following.

I am a stand-alone individual vs. I am but one part of a collective – whereas God is triune, both one and three.

People are basically good or bad – whereas we are fallen and created in God’s image.

Blessed are the rich vs. blessed are the poor - whereas Jesus says blessed are the poor in Spirit, for yours is the Kingdom.

My culture is the best vs. all cultures are equal - Jesus comes in the flesh and takes on our culture(s).

How might the gospel cut across your false dichotomies this week?

By Rev. David Rietveld