Inclusive Evangelicalism? Toward An Ontology of Inclusion in Evangelical Christian Traditions

The intellectual histories of Protestant-Evangelical Christianity, Colonialism, and Race-Making share an ugly and unfortunate link due in no large part to the historical relationship of The Reformation, the Enlightenment and the grand colonizing push in Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. By and large it is difficult to separate the three, despite the reality that they are undoubtedly three distinct histories with different players. Of particular insight to this project is undoubtedly the work of The Reformer Martin Luther, whose famous vitriol toward both his Jewish and Turkish (Muslim) neighbors is utterly deplorable and a source of constant embarrassment and frustration for readers of Luther. However, Luther also stands as one who is presciently critical of all earthly powers and their pursuit of domination over against spiritual freedoms. I assert that looking closely at the decidedly medieval ontology effective in Luther’s thought reveals an inherently inclusive thrust to his understanding of Justification by Faith and by extension the entirety of the Christian life and mission. As such I will demonstrate how putting this Luther in conversation with Modern Protestant/Evangelical theologies can reveal concrete steps toward an inclusive practical theology of Lived Christian faith and human flourishing.