David Garibaldi, 2008, Jesus Christ.
When I was a little girl, growing up in India, we used to hear a common saying, 'unity in diversity,' because India is so diverse, in terms of language, race, religion, food, culture, etc.
However, the world we live in today is growing more divisive and polarised than ever, with little hope of embracing diversity, let alone differences.
Us vs. Them seems to be the only way.
From the mess of geopolitics to radical ideologies shoved on our faces to voices being silenced, everything feels fractured. I remember a couple of decades ago when the internet was divided over the colour of a dress, whether it was grey or blue.
And now we’re divided over the worth of human lives, hateful over race, and confused over gender!
Back in the ’80s, when pop culture and rock and roll were at their peak, artists like David Bowie, Prince, and Annie Lennox proudly embraced androgynous styles. Rock bands had long hair, wore spandex, makeup, and earrings—and it was considered manly, edgy, and cool. Today, if a popular celebrity dressed that way, they’d be immediately put in a box, likely labelled with certain pronouns, and shoved into a category even without their knowledge or consent. Ah the irony.
It almost feels like the more advanced we become technologically, the narrower our mindset grows.
When it comes to politics, things hit even closer to home. Since October 7, I’ve lost friends/peers/classmates.
I’ve grown reluctant to speak openly, especially about my political stance, out of fear of being shunned, branded or labelled a radical.
This divisive, polarised spirit isn’t confined to the internet anymore; it’s crept into friend groups, families, acquaintances, and even church communities.
I have been mocked openly, and someone even laughed and said, "Oh, she prays to Trump."
(not aware that I am a strong critic of Christian Nationalism.)
You see, it appears we're either on this side of the fence or the other, with no middle ground!
Why is it not possible to be conservative in our doctrinal values and liberal in our political opinions? Why are there no grey areas? Where has the middle ground gone?
For example, I care about the environment and LGBTQ+ rights, but I disagree on trans men competing in women's sports. Or I think gay people should be legally allowed to get married, in a court of law, so they have access to legal rights, but please don't force Christians to bake you a wedding cake with dildos hanging out..!
And as an international student who lived, studied abroad much of my life, I think the way immigrants are treated in the West is appalling and sinful, but entering a country the legal way is the correct way. (I spend a huge chunk of money and endless paperwork every year just to enter Europe for 2 weeks), And I exit on time.
Moreover, when it comes to gender roles, I think women can be great world leaders and Pastors, and at the same time, I think raising a family and being a mother is one of the greatest achievements a woman can have.
However, our world does not see it that way!
The internet sorts us into boxes, like the Sorting Hat at Hogwarts, and, sadly, over time, we find comfort among those who agree with us or think like us. We make our way into our little comfort groups.
Ah, they’re just like us, the sane ones. Thank goodness for the faithful remnant. And I’m pretty sure the “other side” thinks the exact same thing.
I’ve received death threats from strangers online. I’ve been mocked and slandered by acquaintances and relatives because of my political views, views on ethics, corruption, etc. Friendships have been severed because of where I choose to stand, politically.
I won’t pretend to be a saint. I’ve often viewed those who differ from my religious or political opinions as somehow less than me. Like, are they abnormal? Why so hateful? Why so shallow? Why lack common sense!!!
Why can’t they see what I see?
Why can’t they think like we do?
Wouldn’t the world be better if everyone just stood on one side—together, uniform, aligned?
As I wrestle with liberal and conservative views, gender ideologies, race, and doctrinal differences, getting annoyed, irritated, shunned, mocked, embraced, and included in this chaotic potpourri of polarisation, I’m reminded of the reels trending on Instagram:
“All Eyes on Rafah.” “All Eyes on Iran.”
These slogans emerged to highlight the suffering of those caught in the crossfire of oppression.
And it made me pause.
In the midst of this overwhelming noise, so many ideologies, voices, and opinions, what if I turned my eyes to Jesus?
All Eyes on Jesus.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
He didn’t come to make us conform to uniformity, but to unite us in love.
Jesus said the world would recognise His followers not by perfect agreement, but by love:
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
He taught us to deny ourselves (Luke 9:23), to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), to walk the extra mile (Matthew 5:41), to forgive not seven times but seventy-seven (Matthew 18:22).
Not just to love those who love us, but to love those who hate us.” (Matthew 5:44).
And He didn’t just preach this. He lived it.
He sat and ate with those who differed from Him ethically, spiritually, racially, and socially.
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking” with sinners and outcasts (Matthew 11:19).
He embraced corrupt tax collectors, men like Zacchaeus, bringing salvation into their homes (Luke 19:1–10).
He healed the servant of a Roman centurion, an enemy occupier, marvelling at his faith (Matthew 8:5-13).
He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, crossing racial, moral, and gender boundaries (John 4).
He welcomed children when others tried to send them away (Matthew 19:14).
He touched lepers, the untouchable, the excluded, and made them whole (Mark 1:40-42).
Again and again, Jesus embodied this truth, in love and in inclusion. Despite the overwhelming wall of differences (sin) separating him from humanity, he didn't build walls; he built bridges. In fact, he is the bridge! (Romans 5:8).
And so, even as our hyper-advanced world continues to grow cluttered and divisive with a billion issues for us to debate and argue, may we fix our eyes on Jesus.
A man who stood firmly on truth and grace (John 1:14),
who refused to compromise His convictions, yet never withheld compassion.
Perhaps that is the only way to survive in our world today, and perhaps this has always been the way (John 14:6).
All Eyes On Jesus.
“I wanna tear down the walls that hold me inside
I wanna reach out and touch the flame
Where the streets have no name.
I wanna feel sunlight on my face
I see that dust cloud disappear without a trace
I wanna take shelter from the poison rain
Where the streets have no name
We're still building then burning down love
Burning down love
And when I go there, I go there with you
It's all I can do
The city's a flood
And our love turns to rust
We're beaten and blown by the wind
Trampled in dust
I'll show you a place
High on the desert plain, yeah
Where the streets have no name.” U2.
ps:
This is a personal reflection/rant, and not an academic article :)
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