Identity: Chosen and Beloved
Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World, by Tom Holland, is a fitting book to end our extensive reading list. Holland writes a compelling and insightful history of how Christianity has influenced the world. He asserts that even those who reject the faith live out the unmistakable principles of Christianity. Conversely, he exposes the failures of the Christian church. He writes, “To live in a Western country is to live in a society still utterly saturated by Christian concepts and assumptions.”[1] Indeed, I see the impact of Christianity in countries far less Christian than my own. It’s unsettling to have a historian describe how the world remains influenced by Christianity while faith in the love and mercy of God is rejected. It’s troubling to read how various interpretations of the Christian faith have brought both good and ill into the world.
As I read Holland’s interpretation of Christianity’s enduring impact, I noticed familiar topics and recurring themes shared with other books we’ve read. The unrelenting issues surrounding identity, religion, slavery, racism, colonialism, and war are among the obvious wicked problems retraced within the pages of the book. Christians have contributed to these problems, suffered through them, and steadily worked to make a difference. The ways our stories connect and intersect were not lost on me. All this drives home the point that chaos and uncertainty are the norm, peace in this world is elusive, and God’s mission of love and reconciliation remains our enduring hope for change. I also noticed how a belief in being chosen has impacted world events.
A Chosen Identity
I’m reminded of the lens Francis Fukuyama inspired me to consider in Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment. He wrote, “Demand for recognition of one’s identity is a master concept that unifies much of what is going on in world politics today.”[2] What about world history? How has identity factored in over the centuries? I wonder how the belief that one is chosen impacts identity. What does it mean to be chosen as an individual, a people, a nation, or a leader? How does our “chosen” identity impact our decisions and behavior? The implications seem to reverberate through the ages yet are also deeply personal.
Holland notes that followers of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity all claim a chosen identity bestowed upon them by God. All claim the promise of Deuteronomy 7:6 of being a chosen people marked as God’s treasured possession. However, Holland comments that scripture has been used to substantiate this “chosen” identity as a militant calling.[3] None of the faith traditions mentioned above are innocent. At what point does a sincere faith turn militant? Is a militant stance part of what Russell Moore was getting at when he defined evangelicalism as a type of cultural Christianity and identity?[4] This militant view has a long and confusing history. An ancient belief that the favor of the gods rested upon a strong leader or nation was proof enough to conquer and subdue others. Is a “chosen” identity about domination or being a blessing? Regrettably, the belief in being chosen by God has meant the exclusion and abuse, if not the destruction, of others who are weak, different, feared, or in possession of something coveted. The impact of such a belief on our connection to one another is evident and contrary to Jesus’ greatest commandment to love.
“Love the Lord your God with all our heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with your strength.” (Mark 12: 30)
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12: 31)
The entire point of being chosen by God is to bring reconciliation and blessing to the nations of this world. However, to deny that evil has been done by those who believed themselves chosen would be dishonest. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, stated in Matthew 10:34, “Do not suppose that I came to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” I struggle with these words. Yet, I think I understand. While Jesus’ presence in this world has brought peace to many who believe, his presence as a different kind of king, representing a different kind of kingdom, has stirred up opposition and hostility among non-Christians and Christians alike for two millennia. His coming disrupted everything. Jesus’ willingness to suffer was a new kind of power that changed the world. Holland writes, “The Son of God, by becoming mortal, had redeemed all humanity. Not as a leader of armies, not as the conqueror of Caesars, but as a victim the Messiah had come.”[5] It is from this place of suffering that he calls us chosen—a suffering born out of love for the world.
A Beloved Identity
Our identity as chosen is inseparable from God’s love. To be chosen is to know we are beloved. Love is foundational if we want to embrace our identity as God’s chosen people. An identity grounded in love is what God desires to lavish upon all humanity, and God wants to do it through us. God chose to love us first. In choosing him, we choose to live and love as Jesus demonstrated and commanded. Without love, we will get our “chosen” identity all wrong.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
It seems too soon that our weekly posts and class time are ending. I’ve enjoyed my doctoral studies with all of you and am excited to witness how our projects will impact the world. You are chosen for such a time as this, and you are loved.
I look forward to celebrating with you all in May!
[1] Tom Holland, Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World (New York, NY: Basic Book, 2019), 13.
[2] Francis Fukuyama, Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment (New York: Picador, 2018), xv.
[3] Tom Holland, Dominion, 196.
[4] Russell Moore, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America (New York, NY: Sentinel, 2023),16-18.
[5] Tom Holland, Dominion, 103.
About the Author
Jenny Dooley
Jenny served as a missionary in Southeast Asia for 28 years. She currently resides in Gig Harbor, Washington, where she works as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Spiritual Director in private practice with her husband, Eric. Jenny loves to listen and behold the image of God in others. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family which include 5 amazing adult children, 3 awesome sons-in-law, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and 8 delightful grandchildren.20 responses to “Identity: Chosen and Beloved”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Jenny, first of all, dang, you did a great job on making this post syntopical! I was reading your post and thinking, “Well yeah, I should have thought how that book connected with my thoughts on Dominion!” But what I really wanted to address was your comment, “All this drives home the point that chaos and uncertainty are the norm, peace in this world is elusive, and God’s mission of love and reconciliation remains our enduring hope for change,” because it spoke so clearly to me about my own questions. In my post I wrote that I kept seeing history repeat itself making me question why I even do what I do! You help me to see that it’s because of God’s mission of love and reconciliation that I keep doing what I do. Thank you!
Hi Kally,
Thanks for your kind words. The whole history repeats itself thing is discouraging and it is clear God is at work in our world. I keep thinking about wicked problems and how they are not solvable but they can be made better. Knowing God’s desire and our cooperation with him is an exciting and often heartbreaking endeavor. Thank you for doing what you do even when it’s hard. You are making a much bigger impact than you may realize!
Jenny,
I love this, “I’m reminded of the lens Francis Fukuyama inspired me to consider in Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment. He wrote, “Demand for recognition of one’s identity is a master concept that unifies much of what is going on in world politics today.”[2]” I had not made the connection to Fukuyama.
Hi Jonita,
I think one of my biggest take-a-ways from this program has been the new lens of identity and how nuanced it is for every human being. Our experiences and the stories we tell about them impact identity in ways we may not even understand. ourselves. I know I’ve had to take a gracious and slow approach to understanding myself. Giving space to others to do so as well and be more fully seen seems to be where my heart is at these days. People are amazing and fascinating!
Jenny,
As always, well-articulated. I love the way you challenge domination vs. blessing in how God has given us all His identity. Superiority so quickly comes into play. Just the other day, I was thinking of what I used to think was success in ministry and how it has changed over the years. Success, even in ministry, can often mean shining above the rest whether in church size, in deeds done, etc…which is again, superiority.
It can be so subtle and yet draw us astray easily.
Thank you for the reminder to stay true to the gospel of love and grace.
By the way, I too will miss our weekly times together as a group. It has been life-giving. (Now the project…that’s another story Ha! Ha! I’ll be glad to have that over!)
Hi Esther,
Thanks for the kind words. I find it interesting how my ideas about success are different in the second half of life. The successes are simpler, more focused on connection with others and the failures seen in a more positive light. I’m looking forward to reading your work and learning more about your project. It’s been a pleasure being on this academic journey with you. The Safari and extra few days in London are favorite memories! I’m looking forward to seeing you in May!
Jenny, Love is a great observation and a great way to end our time together. Jonita pulled on that thread in her post, too. I really appreciate that you emerged with the concept of love out of Holland’s book.
It’s been great to do school with you, to read your blogs and listen to your wisdom. I know God is using you in significant ways. I’ve been blessed by you and I know so many others are, too. Thank you for your unwavering committment to Jesus and the world that He loves.
I’ll see you at the finish line!
Thank you, Tim!
Without love it’s all clanging cymbals, right. But a loved identity really changes everything. I’ve been blessed by your pastor’s heart and I’m looking forward to hearing more about your project. As I recall it’s very inter-generational. I love that!
For you to frame this post with “chosen and beloved identity” is so fitting and, well, Jenny of you.
I have never had a problem seeing or hearing your heart, Jenny. It has shown through for these last several years, in so many wonderful ways.
Grace and Peace to you!
Thank you, John! I’m touched by your very kind words. I’m looking forward to learning more about your project. I appreciate all that I’ve heard of your heart for pastors. I just know your project will be impactful. I wonder what you notice regarding pastors struggle with identity, specifically their identity as God’s beloved.
See you in May!
Jenny- GREAT post. I will miss reading your thoughtful assessments. Your international and counseling experiences flavor your posts in a great way.
I am so glad you folded Fukuyama’s framing of identity into this blog. It makes me think of Josh Butler’s Party Crasher, where he has developed a framework for ideological identities.
Great post- See you in May!
Hi Jennifer,
I find I’m collecting book recommendations within our last blog post. I recall you mentioning Party Crashers a few times. It has now been added to my Amazon shopping cart!
I’m a little concerned about how my rhythms will change now that I don’t have a blog post to write and eighteen to read each week. But I still have stacks of great books to keep me occupied!
Thank you for your engagement with all our posts. It’s been fun! See you in May,
Jenny,
Thank you for such a reflective post. You said, “God’s mission of love and reconciliation remains our enduring hope for change.” AMEN!!!! Praying that this hope continues to be an encouragement to you as you serve the Lord daily in life and mission.
I have enjoyed our conversations and time together these last three years. Nearly three years has passed and here we are approaching the finish line. . . WOW! Captown, Oxford, DC, chats. . . reunion in? Blessings to you as you lead in God’s mission of love and reconciliation in His mission.
Hi Cathy,
It is incredible how fast these three years have gone by and as you mentioned so many unforgettable memories. I’ve loved the Advance portion of the program as I tend to associate learning and threshold moments with specific geographical places. I’m so glad we got to share them! I’m really looking forward to hearing more about your project. What has been a surprising discovery as you look back at your NPO process?
See you in May!
A thoughtful post, as always. I especially appreciated your thought, “Christians have contributed to these problems, suffered through them, and steadily worked to make a difference.” It’s important to recognize the complexity and nuance, which you highlight so well.
I so appreciate you, Jenny, and your presence in our cohort. You were one of the first people I connected with in Cape Town and I’ve always been grateful for your care and compassionate heart. Blessings as you carry on your ministry.
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your response. As I’m finishing up my syntopical essay I finding once again that holding that tension of being part of the solution while knowing I contribute to the problems is hard. So thankful for grace!
I so enjoyed our time in Cape Town and especially our time at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. That was such a memorable day full of rich conversation.
See you in May!
Hi Jenny,
I am inspired and touched by your post, which clearly explains the meaning of our identity as chosen people who receive God’s abundant love and want us to continue and share it with many people.
You wrote, “Our identity as chosen is inseparable from God’s love. To be chosen is to know we are beloved. Love is foundational if we want to embrace our identity as God’s chosen people. An identity grounded in love is what God desires to lavish upon all humanity, and God wants to do it through us.”
Through your writings and ministry experiences, I have discovered (and admired) how God works through you (and your husband) to express God’s love through tangible actions and sacrifices that challenge your comfort zone and even threaten your life.
I am deeply grateful that God has brought me with you in this cohort. You are a sincere and humble servant of God who has long served the people in my country, and you have inspired me. I have found a friend and even a brother in this cohort because you have lived and served in my country for a long time. I can feel how much you care and love for the people you serve. Thank you for our conversations in South Africa, Oxford, and DC, which helped me strengthen my heart and eliminate my impostor syndrome in going through this college process. May God continue to bless you and your family.
See you in May!
Hi Dinka,
Thank you for your very kind words. The feelings are mutual. It’s been such a pleasure to have an Indonesia friend in our cohort. Your presence has enriched us all! You are an excellent student whose love for God shines through all your work. I look forward to introducing you to my husband. His bahasa is excellent, unlike mine.
I will be in Jakarta again next weekend for a Christmas celebration. The pastor is an old friend I met more than 40-years ago when he and his siblings were international students in the US. My faith journey would not be the same without my Indonesian brothers and sisters. I’m so grateful!
It looks like we’ll be moving to Malaysia in the coming year. If so, I will have more opportunities to come see you. It seems on these short trips I never get much past Jakarta.
See you in May! Will your family be coming?
Really?? Such a heartwarming update! It is excellent that you can reunite with a long-time friend during Christmas. It demonstrates the enduring ties created over decades and between cultures you and your husband have made. Your appreciation for your Indonesian brothers and sisters reveals the depth of those bonds and their influence on your spiritual path. Moving to Malaysia seems like an exciting new chapter! It brings you more options to travel and explore Jakarta and Indonesia.
Please send my regards to your beloved husband, Jenny. I would love it if I could meet and get to know him. I am sure that he is such a wonderful person.
I will come with my wife in May. I can’t wait to see you there.
May your holiday season be packed with joy, thoughtfulness, and meaningful friendship. Moreover, best wishes as you plan for this future move—may it be a season of blessings and fresh beginnings!
I look forward to meting your wife. I’m so glad she can come to see you graduate!