Human exceptionalism has to do with our uniqueness in the universe. I think of that in terms of…
- having been created by God in His own image and likeness for close fellowship with Him.
- having been endowed by our Creator with an eternal living soul which has moral free will.
- God having given man dominion over the earth.
- Jesus having come for, lived as, died for, and risen for us — and now interceding for us.
Israelite exceptionalism comes from facts such as these:
- They were chosen by God as His own people in a unique covenant relationship.
- They received the Law — an inspired revelation of God and His will for His chosen people.
- They are the people group through whom the Redeemer came.
American exceptionalism refers to…
- the special character of the United States as a uniquely free nation based on republican ideals and personal liberty.
- America’s unique political, intellectual, economic, and religious foundation and heritage.
- the concept that the USA enjoys characteristics which make it particularly capable and responsible to improve the world for everyone.
- America being above the cut in a world of tyranny, poverty, and bondage.
Christian exceptionalism? Now we have a huge subject! I suggest you read the New Testament with that focus. For this piece, though, I offer just these eleven things that came to my mind as helping summarize Christian exceptionalism:
- Made so and led by the living Savior, Jesus Christ.
- Christ within — our bodies are a dwelling place of God!
- Love one another — as in, distinctive godly love for all human beings.
- Prioritize the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
- Turn the world upside down — right side up, truth be told.
- God’s chosen people.
- Lights in the world.
- In the world but not of it.
- Ambassadors of reconciliation for Christ.
- Heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.
- As He is, so are we in this world.
Anabaptist exceptionalism. What shall I say to that? Nothing much here, except to call your attention to a recent article with that title, though with an entirely different perspective on the concept of exceptionalism. 🙂 I urge you to read it.
I got quite excited and all anticipatory when I first saw the title for that article. Then I started reading the article and found out it is not what I expected it to be about. The article uses exceptionalism to speak of an attitude that grants the holder exceptions and exemptions. I expected a write-up on how Anabaptism is unique and has unique contributions to offer to the general body of Christ. Nevertheless, I very much appreciate the article and I hope you read it and digest it well.
Sidenotes for further credit where it is due: After I sent an email to the writers about their use of the term…
- One of the contributors wrote in part: “Just so you know, the irony of warning against exceptionalism (as we used it) while using our own definition isn’t lost on me.”
- Another contributor commented: “I can see how the title gave the first impression that we were going to argue that Anabaptists are exceptional when in fact we argued the opposite.”
I would argue that Anabaptist exceptionalism should “automatically” make us be (and behave) as these brethren urge in their badly needed article. In fact, I would say that Christian exceptionalism makes the same argument.
Exceptionalism is about what we are — a statement of state and character. It is not primarily a statement of what we allow ourselves to do, but an explanation of what we do and why we do it — it’s because of who we are.
All this exceptionalism meaning/usage aside, I commented to my wife after we read “Anabaptist Exceptionalism”: “It would take uncommon humility for a church leader to read it, accept it, and admit to his congregation at this stage that he has been wrong on the issue.” That’s kinda along the same lines as that article’s third paragraph. I know I have a lot invested in the side I’m on, just like entrenched others have in the other side. I hope if I’m shown to be wrong (in my publicly stated and reinforced stance on COVID-19 restrictions) that my Christian exceptionalism shows through in a humble acknowledgement and change. Whew! That’d be tough. Or would it be?
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Read it and thrive in living the life of Christ, the life of Christian exceptionalism.
