Sharing Christ's Divine Nature

I had to do a training module at work on the topic of unconscious bias. The test was easy even though only about 25% of my attention was focused on the very dull video presentation. But it will require a lot more effort on my part to truly address the unconscious biases that I know I have. Some of the unconscious social biases discussed were;-

Affinity Bias: We gravitate toward people who are like us in appearance, belief and background and find it easy to criticize, mock and dislike people who are not like us.

Confirmation Bias: We tend to interpret and recall information in a way that supports our prior beliefs and values

The Halo and Horn Effects: These cognitive biases are based on first impressions. We make a snap judgement of the person’s character and ability based on a positive (Halo) or negative (Horn) impression. Charismatic, attractive people are often judged to be capable even if they have deep character flaws. Others are judged negatively based on things like their sex, weight, skin colour, clothing, age and religion.

Authority Bias: We believe what people in authority tell us without any critical thinking. Following the leader is not always a bad thing but can lead to disaster, especially if we choose a leader based on one of the previously described biases. Authority bias is used in advertising as experts and celebrities promote certain products and YouTube is full of “experts” who promote a broad range of ideas.

To deny that we have unconscious biases would be a lie as humans are tribal by nature and are wary of outsiders. Managers look to hire people who fit in with the team rather than risking someone who may challenge the status quo.

Over the years I worked with a very diverse group of employees from many different cultures, religions, social backgrounds and ages. At work, we got along well and shared food and stories, but I cannot say that I have had close friends who are much different from me. It isn’t just me as people from other groups also tend to gravitate toward people like themselves.

This Easter weekend we observe the death and resurrection of Jesus. From the gospel accounts, we read how he was friends with people from all walks of life, a behaviour that brought criticism from the religious and ruling elite. His inclusiveness of women, the poor and sick, tax collectors, Samaritans, Roman soldiers and sinners of all kinds- as well as his unbiased proclamations eventually led to his death. The crowds who called for his crucifixion surely had heard of his teaching and miracles. I wonder if I would have chosen the follow the counter-culture teachings of the Messiah had I lived then. Most Christians today, at least in North America, are born into their faith system and show strong affinity and confirmation biases. Many have not questioned or grown in their faith at all.

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The epistle of Second Peter starts with these words.

"This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ... God has given us everything we need for living a godly life...  These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature." (ref)

This is the same Peter who was known for his hot-headed ways and his three-time denial of Jesus before the crucifixion. His attempt at walking on water did not succeed because of his fear and doubt. Jesus had to rescue him from the waves. His faith was not certain but it grew as he became the rock on which the early church was built.

In the same chapter of his epistle, he describes the steps to a mature faith, starting with knowledge and ending with "brotherly affection with love for everyone" NLT.

The way of Christ is paved with kindness and love for all mankind, not just those who we would choose to receive his grace and mercy.