Inclusivity as a Key to Health

Today's post is a reaction to, or more correctly an extension of, some conversations revolving around the spiritual concept of inclusivity. I've been reading Rob Bell's new book, "Love Wins" as has a portion of my faith community, and the book is generating some interesting dialogue. There are many situations in our world that cry out for more inclusivity, yet we humans have a really difficult time moving away from our dualistic mindset (We-They, Us-Them, I-It) to a unitive (all is one) frame of reference. It is clear to me at this point in my journey that we will not find healing until we can find a way to unity.

The conversation that really sparked this post had to do with homosexuals and the church (individual as well as universal church). My conversation occurred with a younger person who is exploring a call to ministry. This person asked the question about how I felt about "gays" as pastors. I have come quite a distance in my own thinking on this and was able to reasonably cogently express my thoughts from a viewpoint of the Bible being all about creating right relationships and about inclusivity. My comments made the person uncomfortable, but also challenged him to think outside his preconceived notions.

Inclusivity is not just confined to issues of sexual orientation, however. Much of the social injustice found in our world stems from a lack of inclusivity. Just ponder the fact that 46 million persons (many of the children) are without adequate health care insurance. The unitive mind rebles at this and can not rationalize how we could be debating whether or not to fund programs to right this wrong. The dualistic minds in our government, however, debate how this will play to "their" consituents and "those" that oppose their political views.

Every church battles with inclusivity - the mentally ill, the homeless (often one and the same), divorced persons, those with chronic physical ailments, the elderly, different races and religious viewpoints, male and female leadership, etc. Division in the church is a direct result of division in our minds. Our worldview determines our choices and our subsequent actions. It can be no other way...but there is another way, isn't there?! There is a way to abundant life and to a life that is in keeping with a greater unitive, redemptive narrative. There is a way to wholeness, to health and to wellness for all who choose it. In this way, I think that Rev. Bell is right - love does indeed win, and those who choose love and unity will also win.

So this week, take a look at your choices and evaluate how inclusive they are. Look for ways to increase unity and decrease division. Look for ways to improve your health, wellness and wholeness through the narrative of love.

Peace and unity,
Dan