The Art of Exclusivity

We pride ourselves in this country, in our universities, and in many of our churches on being an all-inclusive, tolerant, multi-everything, society.  We challenge ourselves daily to open our minds, break down our barriers, and draw our circles wider.  Throughout our history, this has proven to be a challenging yet worthy task--one that, in regard to the "hate crime" enacted upon the EAMC community in Charleston, is still, and desperately, at hand.  The notion of inclusion and respect of all people has become a hallmark of the American way as we trudge forward to do the nearly impossible:  many under one nation.

Yet, while wishing to be sensitive to several hot topics before us today, I still wrestle with the extent of our inclusive behaviors.  Inclusivity to radical extents has the capacity to erode a group or thing's integrity and identity.  I have been in environments where inclusiveness was such a promoted value that when it came to say prayers in this community, the only words that seemed acceptable were those completely stripped of any specific mentions of any deity or faith.  In other words, the prayers amounted to mystical ambiguities and vague niceties.  There was little value in those prayers to anyone who identified with a particular tradition or faith practice.

While it may seem this is limited only to religious matters perhaps, we also see the need for exclusivity in our everyday experiences.

I love experimental cooking.  I'm at my best when I have only odds and ends to work with.  That's when the greatest creations come alive.  But as Sarah can tell you, I've learned some hard lessons along the way.  One being that not everything belongs in one dish.  It is not true that the more spices, the better.  Over time I've learned the art of not putting in certain things and choosing others.

There are several other instances where the art of exclusivity is essential:  deciding what to wear in the morning (otherwise we'd wear all clothes or sweaters in the summer), creating a winning sports team (tennis players may not help build a strong football team), getting from point A to B (we can take only one route at a time), keeping your children safe during the week (no, it's not okay to play in the street), and maintaining a healthy body (not all foods are good to eat, not all substances in the blood are welcome to the cells).  In all these examples, we are practicing the art of exclusivity--choose what is NOT included so we can support of choose what IS.

While the art of exclusivity is NEVER an excuse or proponent for hate, prejudice, or discrimination, the overly-abundant push toward "all things are good, welcome, and okay" may truly be the very corrosive that undermines our greatest efforts for good in the world.  Our tendencies toward all-inclusive lifestyles must still be held in tension with this crucial element of exclusivity.  Paul states this masterfully in his letter to the church in Corinth "'Everything is permissible'--but not everything is beneficial.  'Everything is permissible'--but not everything is constructive" (1 Cor 10:23).

So today, let us continue to love God, to love our neighbor, to love our enemy, and to have open hearts in regard to God's Spiritual movement in unexpected or typically unwelcomed areas.  But let us also learn the art of deep listening, of careful discernment, and intentional living that builds integrity, sharpens identities, and gives us clarity for freedom.


More to come!


Jason <><