Universalism or Exceptionalism?

 
 

In solidarity with the Palestinian community, we share this article written by Jonathan Kuttab and published on Jan 27, 2022 by Friends of Sabel North America.

At the core of international law is the concept of universalism. Essentially, the same rules, values, and expectations apply to everyone, friend and foe alike. It is also the principle behind the Golden Rule and the universal appeals of Christianity as well as Islam. It has its foundations in the unity of the Godhead, the father of us all.

Standing in contrast to this is the principle of exceptionalism: that one’s own country, tribe, or specific group are special and, as such, do not need to abide by the same rules as everyone else. In other words, we are uniquely good, advanced, and enlightened; we can govern on the basis of our own superior values; and we have no need to answer to anyone but ourselves and our own institutions. The danger, of course, is that once we believe we are special and unique, or exceptional, we become arrogant, and we often violate those very principles we might preach and demand of others. Such exceptionalism becomes our justification for privilege and our ticket for avoiding accountability and other restrictive rules.

We proclaim God’s message of equality and universalism and call for a system of justice that rejects privilege and oppression.

Religion often plays a major part in this game: European colonialism, South African Apartheid, American “Manifest Destiny” alongside Christian Nationalism, and Israeli Zionism have all suffered from this malady. Each has justified their evil oppressions of others on the basis of some form of divine sanction or biblical basis. The “doctrine of discovery,” for instance, justified colonialism and ethnic cleansing of indigenous peoples by Christians who “discovered” the land already inhabited by non-Christians. The twin concepts of “a chosen people” and “divine land promises” have been utilized by such movements to bolster oppressive systems and practices. Part of the appeal of exceptionalist thinking is the claim that such uniqueness can become one’s mission, or even “ burden,” to bring one’s superior and enlightened values to the rest of the world—to be a “city upon a hill” and a “light to the nations.”

By contrast, Jesus, born already into a sectarian context and mindset, actively rejected such thinking. He chided those of his own people who claimed special privilege as being “Children of Abraham” and proclaimed a new universalist paradigm whereby the Kingdom of God is open to all humankind. He welcomed and consorted with the weak, the oppressed, the Samaritans, women, and the gentiles. The early church also wrestled with this exceptionalism, but eventually came to preach firmly Jesus’ message that in Christ there was no longer Greek or Jew, male or female, master or slave. We are all children of God. This was never a message of conformity, for all peoples are accepted and loved in their myriad particularities, but one of universal invitation and inclusion—of making space within oneself and one’s own identity for the presence and inclusion of the other.

This message is just as vital today, as we oppose racism, discrimination, and exceptionalism, whether in this country in the form of Christian Nationalism, or in Israel/Palestine in the form of Zionism. We proclaim God’s message of equality and universalism and call for a system of justice that rejects privilege and oppression. We support universal human rights in our assertion that all are made in the image of God and equally deserving of dignity and respect.

As Friends of Sabel North America supports Palestinian liberation theology, we also resist white supremacy, Christian nationalism, and all forms of imperial religion. This is why we stand in solidarity with oppressed people everywhere, whether advocating on behalf of black lives, indigenous rights, or displaced, migrant, and stateless persons wherever they may be.

Community Renewal Society is in solidarity with the people of Palestine and with the work of Friends of Sabel North America. We invite you to view our global solidarity resources and join in our work to build Beloved Community, not just here in Chicago, but throughout the world.

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