One of our responders said MLK favored diversity, a word which was not in our vocabulary during his lifetime. This buzz word might mean different things to different people. What does it mean to you? Blessings Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, January 04, 2001

Answers

Brother Paris, Depends on whose saying it and for what reason. Like most words it can be used or mis-used for many agendas. As always I place the highest value on scripture. Opinions are...well opinions. Can someone point me to some scriptures where diversity or something similar is discussed in any context? Dr. King was for diversity? I'm for the Seattle Seahawks, but if God didn't see fit to mention that hapless team in His Word...

I'm open to a bit of teaching.

In relentless pursuit,

-- Anonymous, January 05, 2001

"Diversity" 2. A point or respect in which things differ. Variety or multiformity. *************************************************** Diversity (in the sense of my post) means the mutual respect for the cultural, demographic, racial and economic differences of all humankind. It is true that the word “diversity” was not commonly used during his lifetime because the appreciation of differences was not practiced in the United States. I believe the unequal practices of segregation and racial superiority ran rampant.

In Love and Light, Brenda

-- Anonymous, January 05, 2001

It seems that diversity in the classical sense refers to variety, much like President-Elect Bush's cabinet nominees. They are indeed a diverse group. So, as in your definition, that says President-Elect Bush has respect for people of different backgrounds and cultures and gender based on his nominees. I think some folk use this word as a trigger knowing that what he says and what I hear are not necessarily the same thing. Blessings Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, January 05, 2001

Bro. Price, I almost forgot about a scripture reference. That word diversity does not appear in any of my translations but I suggest the first chapter of Matthew, the genealogy of Jesus as a lesson in diversity. Jesus was a Jew, but he had the genes that Moabite girl Ruth, and the prostitute Rahab, and Tamar what a liar decieving her father-in-law not to mention incest. Now, how in the world was God able to hide Jesus in Africa among all those dark-skinned folk? You know, I'll bet he picked up some of their language and customs. Actually the whole Bible is evidence that God is no respector of persons, that He loves us all. As for MLK, he never used the term nor did he espouse today's meaning of diversity as far as I can tell. He was the reluctant "Moses" called to lead his people out of discrimination and prejudice into the marvelous light of freedom and opportunity. And may I say, he did a mighty fine job. When his work was done, God called him home. There is another qoute that I like to thik about and teach my children: "I don't want nobody to give me nothing; just open up the door and I'll get it myself." James Brown, Soul Singer. [Isn't God wonderful, he can use anybody!] MLK opened the door. Now it is time for black folk to quite asking for handouts and "get it ourselves. Blessings, Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, January 05, 2001

Very good Brother Paris! The geneology of Jesus does teach us such a lesson. I learned something today. Thanks.

-- Anonymous, January 05, 2001

Galatians 3:28

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2001

Another one! Good. Saaay. How should this one cause us to act toward our fellow human being?

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2001