“When the spine of identity is well-established, it is possible to risk relating in depth to those who are different from the self.”
- James W. Fowler, Weaving the New Creation: Stages of Faith and the Public Church (San Francisco: Harper, 1991), 156; referenced in What Color is Your God? by James & Lillian Breckinridge
In the Christian world there is much attention to identity as it relates to what would be called positional truth. And that’s important, but there’s aspects to identity that are just as important to explore for self and others.
Perhaps part of why most of today’s faith communities lack depth is because there is a lack of attention to what truly makes each person who they are? Can we really be affirming of God’s creation in humanity without being willing to affirm the influences that shape identity, and thus spirituality?
What do you think? Do you think identity is appropriately addressed in your context or community? What’s your response to Fowler’s comment?
