I am becoming increasingly aware that sensitivity within Christian circles tends to be met with disdain. There seems to be this notion that we should be able to address things with complete objectivity.  First, no one is without sensitivity on some level. This is part and parcel of our humanity. We are not devoid of history, experience or personality that will create sensitivity in different areas. We have these sensitivities because we are human. We will have reactions to past and present hurts, either experienced directly or collectively identified with a particular group such as ethnic or gender groups.

The idea that we can be purely objective is a myth. I love what John Frame says about that taken from this post;

Sometimes we dream fondly of a ‘purely objective’ knowledge of God–a knowledge of God of freed from the limitations of our senses, minds, experiences, preparation, and so forth. But nothing of this sort is possible, and God does not demand that of us. Rather, He condescends to dwell in and with us, as in a temple. He identifies himself in and through our thoughts, ideas, and experiences. And that identification is clear; it is adequate for Christian certainty. A ‘purely objective’ knowledge is precisely what we don’t want! Such knowledge would presuppose a denial of our creaturehood and thus a denial of God and of all truth.

While he is referring to the knowledge of God, it is nonetheless applicable to how we see our world. There is no way we can be purely objective. Now of course, we can be more objective to areas that don’t give rise to sensitivities with us. This is why 3rd party objectivity is valuable, especially when settling disputes. But that does not mean we are without some type of bias that will inform our perspective. And let’s be clear, when it comes to some topics, whether it be race, gender or life experience, there is this tendency to treat it from our own perspective and why it is important to step outside of ourselves and see the other ala Philippians 2. Continue reading →