Inclusive theology is a systematic approach to Christian theology that seeks to integrate people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs into the life of the church. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among progressive Christians who are seeking to challenge traditional understandings of God, humanity, and salvation.
One of the main challenges facing inclusive theologians is how to reconcile exclusionary authority with the ethical imperative of inclusion and dignity. This essay will explore this tension and offer some possible solutions for resolving it.
Let's consider what "exclusionary authority" means within the context of Christian theology. Traditionally, Christian doctrine has been authoritative because it claims to be divinely revealed truth handed down through scripture and church tradition. This authority often leads to exclusive practices, such as the prohibition of women from leadership roles in the church or the rejection of LGBTQ+ individuals from full participation in the life of the church. Exclusionary authority can also lead to the marginalization of non-Christian religions, as well as other groups deemed outside the bounds of orthodoxy.
Christianity has always emphasized the value and dignity of every person made in the image of God. Jesus taught that all people are equal in his sight (Matthew 23:8), and Paul insisted that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free (Galatians 3:28). The gospel message is meant to be Good News for all people, not just those who happen to fit into a certain social or religious category.
So how does inclusive theology navigate these seemingly contradictory positions? One approach is to affirm the validity of both the authority of Scripture and the dignity of humanity while recognizing that they are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Inclusive theologians argue that we should interpret the Bible through the lens of its original context, taking into account historical and cultural factors that may have influenced its meaning.
The exclusion of women from leadership positions in the early church was rooted in the patriarchal culture of first-century Israel. By recognizing this contextual influence, we can see that it is not an eternal truth but a reflection of a particular time and place.
Another approach is to highlight the diversity of perspectives within the Church's history and traditions. Different denominations, cultures, and theologies have historically interpreted scripture differently, leading to different understandings of authority and inclusion. Instead of privileging one tradition over another, inclusive theology seeks to celebrate the richness and variety of Christian thought. This approach recognizes that there is more than one way to be faithful to God and that each perspective has something valuable to offer.
Some inclusive theologians argue that the Bible itself contains stories and teachings that challenge traditional ideas about power and authority. Jesus' ministry was marked by his association with outcasts and marginalized groups, such as tax collectors, prostitutes, and Samaritans (Luke 7:36-50). His message was often subversive, challenging established social norms and hierarchies. Inclusive theology can draw on these examples to create a more just and equitable understanding of faith.
Inclusive theology reconciles exclusionary authority with the ethical imperative of inclusion and dignity by recognizing that both are important aspects of Christianity. We must acknowledge the diversity of human experience and belief while also upholding the sacred nature of Scripture. By doing so, we can create a church that is truly open to all people, regardless of their background or beliefs.
How does inclusive theology reconcile exclusionary authority with the ethical imperative of inclusion and dignity?
To begin with, inclusive theology is the belief that God includes all people regardless of their differences such as gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, or class status (Moss, 2018). Therefore, the question at hand asks how inclusive theology can reconcile its emphasis on universal love with the reality of exclusionary practices and power structures within religious communities.