Radical Othering and the Problem of Justice

"Can Christianity Become a Religion of Loving-Justice?" series, Part 4

It seems every which way we turn we see lines being drawn in the sand. 

• Pick a side. 

• There is no middle ground. 

• If you're not for us, you are against us. 

• If you are not for us, you are against God.

You may think I am describing the right-wing evangelical, fundamentalist, or even Christian Nationalist voice in the public sphere.

In a sense I am, but…

I'm also describing what I see coming out of some progressive Christians in the name of justice. 

I get it. I resonate with the agenda. I think their ultimate goals are spot on.

My problem is with the way it is being done. Too often, I see an approach that is nothing less than a form of “radical othering”—a dehumanizing of people on the other side of the line drawn in the sand.