Crossing the Divide: A Call To Embrace Diversity
Ebook
Overview
’When we become new creations in Christ Jesus, our primary identity is in Christ,’ observes Owen Hylton. Born into a black West Indian family, but living primarily in a white British world, he never felt entirely accepted in either place. ‘Realizing that my identity was first and foremost in Christ was incredibly releasing,’ he admits.
Crossing the divide and embracing diversity is at the very heart of God’s plan and purpose for his church. But in order to do this, we need to be aware of some of the reasons why people have stayed apart: our histories and prejudices, our lack of awareness and appreciation of one another.
Owen defines sin as the greatest problem of humankind, separating us from God and setting us at odds with one another. The cross is ultimately a place of forgiveness and reconciliation. As new creations in Christ Jesus, forgiven and restored, we can confidently and joyfully celebrate our oneness, whatever our colour, status, gender or nationality.
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments 11
Foreword 13
Introduction 15
1. Why is the issue of diversity so important to the church today? 22
2. ‘I thought we were all the same, so what’s the issue?’ 39
3. What about other forms of diversity?
Why focus on racial diversity?
4. What about history and issues of legacy?
5. What about issues of forgiveness,
repentance and reconciliation?
6. Why should we cross the divide in relationships and what are the benefits?
7. How do I develop relationships across the divide? 112
8. How do we integrate people from diff erent backgrounds into church life? 125
9. What does a truly diverse church look like?
10. ‘I want to cross the race divide, so where do I start?’ 145
- Title: Crossing the Divide: A Call To Embrace Diversity
- Author: Owen Hylton
- Publisher: IVP
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Pages: 160
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781789740257, 9781844743834, 1844743837, 1789740258
- Resource ID: LLS:9781789740257
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-15T00:59:54Z