The cultural con of diversity

Here you have two people, diverse in many ways. We can observe some differences. One is male and one is female. One can walk somewhat unaided. One uses a walker.

Some differences we cannot observe. They likely have different personalities, experiences, tastes in food and clothes. They probably are a married couple, but maybe not. Maybe neighbors or siblings? We don't know.


What we do know is they are working together to plant flowers. This is collaboration to accomplish a common goal. There is some coordination here. That helps collaboration. But how does appreciating each other's diversity contribute to their success?

That's the question diversity advocates really never ask. What makes diverse people collaborate? Is it shared experience? Is it a focus on valuing each other's differences? That's a possibility.

When two people demand their differences are what really matters, what generally happens? I suggest that collaboration anchored in diversity requires each participant to be aware of what they are giving up (sacrificing) to accommodate the other. This requires a sense of conditional love or respect based on social exchange. In other words, I give to the other in ways that results in reciprocal responses. The other person honors my giving by giving back in some sort of balanced way. This can be fulfilling and successful in many ways, as long as the joint efforts are fair.

Two people can be collaborating on a mutual goal, but there are limits to what each participant is willing to do based on justice.

There is another model for collaboration based on the idea of unity. You might say, "unity is accomplished in the above model of collaboration, isn't it?" I would say "NO." On what basis would I say mutual sacrifice based on diverse members committing to a common goal is NOT unity?

I go to model given to us in the Trinity. Throughout the Bible we read "the Father and the Son and the Spirit are one." We are called to be one with them. There is diversity, but in unity the diversity is not the point or focus of collaboration. Needs of the participants are not the issue. It's about like-mindedness. It's thinking EXACTLY the same way and a singleness of will. It's the same heartbeat, the same passion. It's not diverse parts considering what they are giving up for the others. In this model of unity, diversity dissipates, not intensifies.

The model in Scripture is the body. Yes, there is diversity in the parts. Arms are not like legs, which are not like ears. This is important. However, each part views everything through the lens of the head (Jesus). Each part never says to the other, "remember to value diversity - each of you that are different should consider me just as important as you. I will give myself (sacrifice) to the body, but I deserve to benefit somehow."

Total alignment of the soul of each member to the mind of Christ is what makes the body of Christ (the church) function in perfect collaboration for the glory of God.

That's a model of collaboration foreign to a culture that values the diversity, not the unity. There is no authoritative influence when honoring what is different is the point. This is a con perpetuated on the world fueled by a human nature that can only think that way, "by nature we are children of wrath."

"be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

This is probably worth pondering......