I Was Just Thinking About - - -
Human behavior has been studied for many years in the hope that there can be a determination of why people act in certain ways and why they do certain things. Psychology approaches the study from the possibilities of the mind - either functional or dysfunctional. It’s interesting to note that there are several sub-groups endeavoring to understand behavior and ways to modify it, such as analytical, clinical, comparative, educational, and experimental psychology, etc. Sociology approaches it from a study of one’s environment - the influence of the fundamental laws of social relations and institutions. It is focused on studying the origin, development, organization and functioning of human society. Basically, the goal is to determine why people do what they do, as well as being who they are in their thoughts, words and deeds.
It appears that the contemporary world is marked by diversity and selfish ambition. It is undeniable that cultural diversity is the reality requiring attention. Throughout the world, the culture and society is comprised of the coexistence of different ethnic, gender, racial, socio-economic groups striving within social units and cultural realities. The demographics of the United States illustrate the diversity - White - 72.41%; Black - 12.61%; Mixed - 9.11%; Asian - 4.75%; American Indian and Alaskan Native - 0.95%; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander - 0.17% (See: Demographics of the United States Online). Within this nation, there are several organizations that include within the official name - “Diversity Task Force.” One of them, Race Relations and Diversity Task Force” in Michigan has this purpose and motivation statement: “The mission of the Race Relations and Diversity Task Force is to actively promote and embrace an appreciation for diversity and to advocate for inclusivity, equality, and justice in the region. We come together to develop and maintain an open, intentional community that works to overcome racism, prejudice, and discrimination through education, advocacy, and response.”
It appears that the contemporary world is marked by diversity and selfish ambition. It is undeniable that cultural diversity is the reality requiring attention. Throughout the world, the culture and society is comprised of the coexistence of different ethnic, gender, racial, socio-economic groups striving within social units and cultural realities. The demographics of the United States illustrate the diversity - White - 72.41%; Black - 12.61%; Mixed - 9.11%; Asian - 4.75%; American Indian and Alaskan Native - 0.95%; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander - 0.17% (See: Demographics of the United States Online). Within this nation, there are several organizations that include within the official name - “Diversity Task Force.” One of them, Race Relations and Diversity Task Force” in Michigan has this purpose and motivation statement: “The mission of the Race Relations and Diversity Task Force is to actively promote and embrace an appreciation for diversity and to advocate for inclusivity, equality, and justice in the region. We come together to develop and maintain an open, intentional community that works to overcome racism, prejudice, and discrimination through education, advocacy, and response.”
One of the areas of greatest diversity in this nation is within Churches and Denominations. There is a website that lists the number of “Christian Denominations” in the world. It is stated: “There are about 34,000 different Christian groups in the world since AD 30. This is according to the World Christian Encyclopedia published in 2001. 1,200 different Christian denominations exist in the United States alone. Some groups classify Christianity into 8 meta-groups, namely Roman Catholicism (the largest), Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy and Assyrian Churches, Protestantism, Restorationism, Anglican Communicants, Pentecostal, and others.” Within particular churches, there is noticeable diversity. Sadly, it is based upon cultural values more than on Biblical Standards and Spiritual Values.
When Jesus offered His high priestly prayer in John 17:20-21 where the heart, purpose and motivation of Jesus Christ is observed, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul echoes this same purpose and motivation: “I…urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope…” As the Church was developing in the first century, Paul stated, Acts 17:26-27, “He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him.” The focus should be on oneness and unity within the Body of Christ, not diversity and erecting of barricades to separate those of like precious faith. What is your motivation and purpose as a believer in and a follower of Jesus Christ? Consider these things with me.
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