Us, Them, and Christ: Avoiding false Dichotomies

1. Joshua’s paradigm shift
2. Pharisaic False righteousness
3. Jesus’ and the trap of false Choices
4. Practicinge the way of Jesus
   1. Practice “both/and” thinking instead of “either/or” thinking when appropriate
   2. Listen to understand, not just to respond
   3. Recognize when emotions are driving extremes
   4. Surround yourself with people who challenge the way you think
   5. Let scripture shape your categories, not the world

Reflection questions:

Joshua’s question assumes a dualistic opposition between Israel and its enemies. How does the commander’s response challenge that assumption?

How does Joshua 5:13-15 serve as a critique of tribalistic thinking in religious, political, or social contexts?

What theological frameworks help us understand divine allegiance beyond human factions? How might Joshua 5:13-15 inform discussions on nationalism and ecclesial identity?

In what ways does recognizing sacred space (holy ground) deconstruct simplistic categories of “friend” and “enemy”? How does the presence of God reorient human allegiances?

The Pharisee constructs his self-righteousness through a comparative dichotomy. How does Jesus’ parable expose the dangers of defining righteousness through contrast rather than divine grace?

How does the tax collector’s plea for mercy undermine the assumption that one must belong to a particular moral or religious category to be justified?

How does Jesus’ ability to reframe the conversation invite a hermeneutic of wisdom rather than rigid categorization?

How does the practice of listening for understanding, rather than simply responding, serve as a tool for navigating complex and non-dualistic theological conversations