When Unity Means Division

I was the taxi-service for twelve-year-old grandson-Luca yesterday. Waiting at the traffic lights. he reads ‘6-7’ off the car in front’s number plate. Three minutes later he reads, ‘6-7’ off another car…

He explains. His friends at school often say ‘6-7’. I ask ‘Why?’ Apparently it’s linked to some rap song and an American basketball player.

I ask Mr Google what it means… It’s impossible to define… meaningless, nonsensical, an in-joke enjoyed by young people… annoying adults who don’t understand. Young people are united as the ‘in-group’, separating them from adults who aren’t.

…Politics, football, religion… attitudes to marriage, abortion, alcohol… unites people who think the same, dividing them from those who don’t.

In recent months flags – particularly Union Jacks and English flags of St George – have been tied to many lampposts around Lowestoft.

Some people love the flags. They see them as patriotic, demonstrating pride in our great nation and our national character – strength, freedom, fairness. They call true Brits to unite behind their flag.

Others feel intimidated by them. They see them as racist, anti-immigration, a political symbol of right wing propaganda. They also talk about our national character – strength, freedom, fairness, that unity is better served without the flags.

A movement that has sought to unite local people has, in fact, encouraged extreme positions that cannot agree, and has thus divided them.

I’ve been reading 1 Corinthians this morning. Paul’s writing to a deeply divided church: ‘You’re all picking sides, going around saying, “I’m on Paul’s side,” or “I’m for Apollos,” or “Peter is my man,” or “I’m in the Messiah group.”’

…I’m understanding 6-7, pro-foodbanks, anti-abortion, pro-Norwich City, anti-flags, whatever…

Attempting to resolve the issue he says, ‘For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.’

I may hold strong opinions. There’s a greater wisdom to be discerned, strength to be discovered, that affects my opinions, my attitudes to those who hold different opinions, and whether unity is possible or desirable.