Culture and Diversity Statement
Our Christian faith answers one of the most basic questions that comprises the Christian worldview: What is a human being? It is from the Scriptures that we learn that humankind was created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). We are exhorted to “be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:10-13). People from “every nation, tribe, people, and language will be standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9). The law can be summed up in two commandments: Love God and love your neighbor (Mark 12:30-31).
The teachings and parables of Jesus show us that we should not allow socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or gender to cause us to respect one person differently than another. Unfortunately, some Christians and Christian organizations have a checkered history on treatment of the poor, racial minorities, and women. To our shame, Christians past and present have abused Scripture to promote the denigration and control of others. It is through recognition and repentance of our past and present that Christians can move our culture forward in the grace of Christ and embrace the diversity of “every nation, tribe and people” of the Earth as part of His plan to reconcile “the world” (II Corinthians 5:19) under His Lordship.
What stands out in the Romans passage above, however, is that loving, fair, non-prejudicial treatment of others doesn’t happen easily – it takes work. It runs against the grain of the fallen human heart, and it takes special effort and grace to overcome. It is our intention at ACA to work at restoring a biblical understanding of humanity and to promote this through advocating for a Christ-centered culture that is inviting, welcoming, and supportive of students, parents, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds and cultures who love Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord. It is our aim to continue to promote a biblical understanding of manhood and womanhood. We believe that there is enormous wisdom, strength, and beauty in our collective differences, and we want to see this vision reflected in our community of grace.
Further, we believe that this same vision ought to be reflected in our treatment of all people, regardless of their spiritual condition. We must learn to see the image of God in others who look, act, and live differently than ourselves as we seek to accomplish our stated mission.
Finally, as it pertains to race, gender and diversity, we at ACA believe that our call is to understand what God’s intent was for his Creation of humanity – which is created in His image. We also need to learn how the Fall has sadly and horrifically marred God’s intent for the way we treat others. Our purpose, then, is to press further and seek the Redemption of God’s original intent for the treatment of other human beings. And this should bring about the Restoration of the image of God in others, according to God’s kingdom purposes.