Formed in Community & Formed in Service: Becoming Christ's Polarization-resistant New Humanity

In today’s episode, I delve into Colossians chapter 3, verses 8 through 15, where the scripture prompts us to shed harmful behaviors such as anger, malice, and slander, and instead adopt a new nature that embodies love and peace. Drawing upon the profound truths within this passage, I explore both the personal and communal implications of our Christian identity in Christ, particularly in a time marked by division and polarization.

Reflecting on the COVID pandemic, I recount how it initially evoked a spirit of solidarity, as communities came together to support essential workers. However, this unity was short-lived, giving way to divisions that were often exacerbated by differing perspectives on risk and guidelines, highlighting the pre-existing fractures in our society. As we navigate through this discussion, we recognize that the pandemic has brought to the forefront long-standing issues of division that we must confront as a community.

Linking these observations to our current cultural context, I note that we live in an era marked by loneliness and a failure to connect. With statistics revealing that many Americans experience profound isolation, I emphasize the Church's calling to foster community as designed by God. Building upon Ginny’s insights from the previous week, I introduce the concept of community and service as core Christian practices and reflect on the intrinsic and extrinsic forces that push us away from this divine design.

I then transition into an examination of polarization and its effects on our communities. Drawing from social psychology, I introduce the term 'homophily'—the tendency to associate with those who are like us—and unpack how this tendency, combined with external sorting forces like economic disparity and geographic segregation, leads us further apart. In stark contrast, the early Church exemplified a polarization-resistant community, breaking down barriers and embodying a new humanity in Christ.

As we delve deeper into the scripture, I highlight how our identities in Christ unify us beyond all earthly divisions—be they ethnic, socioeconomic, or ideological. In Christ, we have the opportunity to build a community that transcends these barriers, aligning ourselves with His teachings of forgiveness and love. I challenge listeners to reflect on the clothing imagery Paul uses, urging us to shed garments of anger and resentment and instead wear compassion, humility, and patience.

Finally, I present practical steps for counter-formation. These include replacing our instinct towards rage with mercy through prayer, intentionally engaging with those who are different from us, and transforming consumption of religious services into active participation in community life. By leaning into these practices, I invite everyone to discover the richness of relationships that Jesus offers and to take part in creating a polarization-resistant new humanity that genuinely reflects the love of Christ.

As we conclude this episode, I encourage listeners to embrace their role in fostering unity within the body of Christ and to actively invest in relationships that illustrate our common identity in Him.