“Let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” Ephesians 4:25
How do we pursue unity as followers of Christ in a world that wages war against each other? There is much confusion and hesitancy surrounding the issues within Critical Race Theory. What makes Critical Race Theory particularly challenging is its subtle ability to infiltrate what is taught in our schools, churches, and homes, gradually shaping our thinking. Thankfully, we have guidance from Scripture to help us better understand what unity, diversity, and reconciliation within the body of Christ can look like. 
While Scripture doesn’t explicitly prescribe a strategy addressing modern issues, there are timeless passages that can guide us toward a better understanding of how they can be restored. In Ephesians 4, Paul urges the believers, “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The Ephesians are encouraged to pursue unity vertically with God before they can be unified horizontally with one another. This was just as true then as it is now.
When we understand that our identity is first found in Christ, we begin to see others through the same lens. We recognize that our primary identity is built on our relationship with God, not on race, ethnicity, status, or culture.
Conflict may feel unavoidable on the topic of Critical Race Theory, but Scripture points us in a different direction. Rather than conforming to culture, believers are called to challenge the beliefs of those whom we love. We are not called to run away from difficult conversations; we are called to have courage and to act in grace. Ephesians 4:25 reminds us, “Let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” Scripture calls us to proclaim truth as an act of love to become unified.
The friendship between Krista Bontrager and Monique Duson is a powerful example of unity. Once a self-proclaimed Critical Race Theorist, Monqiue Duson began to rethink her views when Krista Bontrager persistently and lovingly asked compelling questions to challenge her thinking. Instead of allowing their disagreements to divide their friendship, Duson and Bontrager remembered foremost the foundation of their identities: that they are children of God. From there, they chose to seek truth together in loving ways. Their friendship demonstrates what it can look like to lovingly challenge opposing beliefs, while standing firmly grounded in Christ.
The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of the biblical unity that will be revealed to us when we are glorified in Heaven, where every tribe and tongue will bow in worship before our Lord. This serves as a reminder that biblical unity is not something we can accomplish on our own efforts; it is only made possible through Jesus. As believers, we are called to live with an eternal mindset– one that lives with our future reality in mind as we navigate present life on this earth.
When we live with our future in mind, we become more equipped to pursue unity with courage, grace, and truth, ultimately reflecting Jesus’ heart in a divided world.
Liz Scott
Current Fellow, Class XX