Tribalism, in-group conformity, is one element of the Old Testament. It describes the relationship pattern of the Hebrew people set against members of other tribes who usually displayed the same value. Tribalism influences us to segregate between people. We are taught to develop an affinity with and give care to members of our own tribe. We are not always taught and do not always have nurtured within us the same regard for members of other tribes. Unfortunately, under tribalism, adversarial or even hostile behaviors can be promoted so that we target out-group tribe members for varying levels of violation. We find ourselves relating in a general context of us vs. them, friend vs. foe, neighbor vs. enemy with people we do not actually know.
Jesus addresses tribalism in this Sunday’s gospel and moved disciples beyond it. Jesus refers to an Old Testament commandment on loving one’s neighbor. He is then asked by a listener, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus does not respond as expected, tribally. He responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ parable abolishes tribalism for disciples. Jesus chose a man belonging to another tribe, the hated Samaritans, as his model of a true neighbor. He challenged disciples toward an expansive and fully inclusive understanding of neighbor – all our brothers and sisters. In Christ we are all of the one same family, humanity. We are all capable of living from the same loving heart. We are all able of expressing the same healing kindness. People or organizations that diminish our shared humanity need to be invited toward conversion. To whatever degree we participate in that same diminishment we too need to convert. We need to leave our tribes and belong to One human family.
Disciples living in the U.S. Empire are given a great many opportunities for converting away from tribalism. We can take down empire’s flag we fly in favor of a symbol of our shared humanity. We can consider if there is a tribal premise we hold when addressing immigration. Is tribalism the reason for any of my positions on various political and economic issues? Who are my heroes and what do they say about possible tribal connections I feel. Does tribalism impact the people with whom I identify? Have I a tribal attachment to patriotism that is diminishing my expansive faithfulness to discipleship?
Prayer: Dear Spirit, I accept that we are brothers and sisters to one another.
Question: Who are the neighbors I regard more as enemies and what am I going to do about that?
July 14, 2013 – Gospel Luke 10:13-37 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time