The Journey to No Other

Wikipedia states that, "A person's definition of 'other' is part of what defines or even constitutes the self or our personal identity.  'Other' has also been used to understand the process by which societies and groups exclude whom they want to subordinate or who do not fit into their society.  Othering is imperative to national/group identities, where practices of admittance and segregation can form and sustain boundaries and group character.  othering helps distinguish between home and away, the uncertain or certain.  It often involves the demonization and dehumanization of groups, which further justifies attempts to civilize and exploit these 'inferior' others."  Othering has allowed us to mistreat and even commit genocide in the name of God.

So, you see, othering is a two-sides coin.  It seems to be essential to helping us know who we are and holding us together but at the same time is the cause of prejudice, hostility, seperation, and violence.  It makes me want to cry out, "who will deliver me from this body of death?"  And as we are learning, the answer is in no other, Jesus!  Yes, we are on a journey to no other.

Scripture

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus

Galatians 3:26-28