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Cultural Variations in Marriage and Family

A Christian Response to Social Class

Discrimination based on social class is a
subtle threat to Christian unity. Christians
often subconsciously show favoritism to
the rich while alienating the poor. Even
children learn they are expected to belong
to certain groups and operate within
certain circles of people. It is human nature
to form“cliques,”to want to be with people
“like us.”But Christians are called to rise
above human nature, to seek Christ’s
nature. Churches frequently organize along
racial, ethnic, and class lines, giving
children an impression the“others”are
practicing the wrong religion.What did
Jesus have to say about social class?
Christians especially should be

sensitive to the social systems which

negatively affect families in poverty. For

example, as New Orleans faced the

impending disaster of Hurricane Katrina

in 2005, middle-class families with cars

and money for gas were able to evacuate

on their own, leaving poor families to rely

on ill-equipped governmental agencies for

survival. Christians and other faith-based

groups responded quickly to fill the gaps

left by social agencies. Churches opened

their doors to refugees, feeding and

housing them, transporting them to

shelters, and assisting with their basic

needs. Christians and other faith-based

organizations have continued to supply

relief to those whose lives were shattered

by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Their

efforts to rebuild devastated communities

have made a concrete difference to

thousands of devastated lives. Wherever

possible, Christians need to be willing to

uphold social justice by advocating public

policy changes to help families in poverty.

A Christian Response to Disability

A key principle of the Christian faith

is to uphold the dignity of human beings.

Jesus often chided Pharisees for

neglecting the poor and sick, and for

showing favoritism to elites (see Matthew

23). He said,“Whoever wants to be first

must be last of all and servant of all”

for mutual up building. Do not,

for the sake of food, destroy the

work of God. Everything is indeed

clean, but it is wrong for you to

make others fall by what you eat;

it is good not to eat meat or drink

wine or do anything that makes

your brother or sister stumble

(Romans 14:13, 19–21 NRSV).

“But those who exalt themselves

will be humbled, and those who

humble themselves will be

exalted” (Matthew 23:12 NLT).