Inclusion is the practice of making everyone feel welcome and valued regardless of their differences. This can be achieved through creating an environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves without fear of being judged or discriminated against. Religious institutions that are reformed and seek to include all people in their congregations may have challenges when it comes to establishing such an atmosphere because they may already have preconceived notions about who is holy or unholy based on certain attributes. In this essay, I will discuss how inclusion within reformed religious institutions challenge or reinforce existing hierarchies of holiness and whether or not this is a good thing for these institutions.
One way that inclusion may challenge existing hierarchies of holiness is by allowing for more diverse perspectives within the institution. When individuals from different backgrounds come together, there is likely to be diversity in thought and opinion which may clash with what has been traditionally accepted as true in the past.
If a church had always believed that homosexuality was sinful but now allows gay couples to attend services, there could be debate about whether or not this decision aligns with scripture and tradition.
Inclusion also allows for new ideas to surface which can benefit the entire community.
Another way that inclusion challenges existing hierarchies of holiness is by disrupting power structures. If some people were previously considered "more holy" than others due to factors like wealth or skin color, then those who were left out may now gain greater access to leadership positions or other forms of influence. This could lead to increased equality among members and a more egalitarian system overall.
Inclusion may reinforce existing hierarchies of holiness if it is done too quickly or without proper consideration. If an institution decides to allow someone into their congregation without fully understanding their beliefs or behaviors first, they may end up creating tension between themselves and other members who are uncomfortable with certain lifestyles or actions.
If everyone gets equal say regardless of knowledge level or experience, it could lead to chaos instead of progress.
While inclusion may initially seem like it would challenge pre-existing hierarchies of holiness within religious institutions, both scenarios are possible depending on how it is implemented. Inclusion should be carefully planned out so that all stakeholders feel heard and respected while still maintaining order and peace within the community.
Does inclusion within reformed religious institutions challenge or reinforce existing hierarchies of holiness?
Inclusion within reformed religious institutions can both challenge and reinforce existing hierarchies of holiness depending on how it is implemented and what specific circumstances are involved. On one hand, it may challenge traditional notions of who is considered holy by bringing new perspectives and experiences into the fold, but on the other hand, it may reinforce existing power structures if those who have traditionally been marginalized are still excluded from decision-making processes and key positions of authority.