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Christians believe that all human life is sacred. From the womb to the tomb, every life matters because every human being is made in the image of God.

Now, of course, we don’t always live like we believe this is true. Sadly, much injustice has been done in the name of Christ and Christianity. But whenever that happens, it is not Christian doctrine that’s the problem but its misapplication. The problem is not that we’re Christian, but that we’re not Christian enough.

What then about the most common complaint about Christianity in the 21st century? Christians are exclusive.

In no arena of public life is this complaint more evident than in issues of gender and sexuality. In a world of gender fluidity, we believe that God created us male and female. In a world of marriage equality, we believe that sex should be reserved between one man and one woman for one lifetime. There you have it. Christianity is exclusive.

How can a religion truly value human life when its definitions of gender and sex are so limited? Isn’t the Christian’s claim to value humanity a bit disingenuous? Can a religion or worldview that’s so exclusive truly be a loving community?

The truth is, every community is exclusive. Every single one. Nations exclude certain people from citizenships. Groups and clubs have rules for inclusion. Even an otherwise inclusive LGBTQ+ non-profit like the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) would not allow just anyone to serve on its board. Like a straight, fundamentalist preacher with Orthodox views on sexuality, for example. Similarly, the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation would likely exclude a self-avowed white supremacist from membership.

The mere fact that a community is exclusive is not enough to make it unloving. The exclusiveness of a community is not enough to deem it unloving. Rather than dismissing a community because its exclusive, we should ask how a community treats those it excludes.

How does Christianity treat those on the outside? Oh sure, we could drum up loads of examples of Christians behaving badly towards outsiders. But how did Jesus tell us to behave towards those on the outside, towards those we exclude?

Matthew 5:43-48—“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.