"Identity" and Global Ethnic Violence

Abstract

AbstractThis article explores the multidimensional nature of globalization as it impacts on "identity," both individually and corporately, in its most common manifestation as violence. Identity is explored in terms of the dialectical interplay between the "one" and the "many" or "universality" and "particularity" in order to offer an alternative reading of "identity" in light ofMiroslav Wolf's work Exclusion and Embrace. To do this the language of Paul in Galatians, and in other epistles as well, needs to be considered. Utilizing the insights of N. T. Wright and Richard Hays, the article then attempts to re-locate "identity" as constituted by our being new women and men in Christ. Also utilized is Paul Hiebert's analysis of set theory, which illustrates the necessity of moving away from "ssentialist" or "primordialist" readings of culture and identity in order to move toward more "centered set" thinking which is typical of Paul in Galatians. The article attempts to reorient Christians to a new way of thinking missiologically in light of the reality of violence and the need for broader notions of reconciliation and redemption.