48. How should Christians in the Military think about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)? (Interview with Daniel Cartwright)

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Today we are continuing our monthly "Big Question" series where we wrestle with personal questions or questions submitted by listeners. Today we will be digging into the question "How should Christians in Military Think about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?”

Resources:

• Oath of Commissioned Officers
• Department of Defense Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategic Plan
• DELETED after recording - WhiteHouse.gov executive order: 2021/06/25/executive-order-on-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-accessibility-in-the-federal-workforce/
• Commentary: Equity vs. Equality By Andrew Duffield, Ed.D AFIMSC Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Episode Notes:

• Why should anyone care about this question? How does our answer impact how we live our lives? Prevalent in any western society, including social institutions like the military. Military leaders will have to decide if they will promote DEI policies

• Clarify definitions from common sources: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility

• What can we all observe about this question based on the human experience, realities of life, nature, our consciences, etc. (Paint as wide of a brush as possible): Is diversity really unity? Is equality a guarantee?

• What does the Bible have to say about DEI? “No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:4. Gospel is not fair - God always promised to save a remnant. Diversity - “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:9. Equality vs Equity. Inclusion - Choice, parable of the talents

• How can we practically apply our answers to everyday life? Oath, Constitution, Christian Mindset, Stand on principle 

• Challenge: Continue asking big questions and seeing big answers. Be willing to follow the truth where it leads.

Reflect:

• What does this episode reveal about God’s character?

• How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior? 

• How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ today:

• ✝️ “Choose this day whom you will serve...” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬

• ‭✝️ “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ 

Next steps:

• Share with an armed forces member

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