Christian Faith, Baptism, and Social Identity

Dialogue with Gal 3:26-29

Abstract

For those for whom "equality" and "justice" are one of the most important pillars of faith, Galatians 3:26-29 is one of those texts that we must always reinterpret. In examining this passage from this perspective, we note that it lists several historical-theological characteristics that not only define the identity of the Galatians in relation to God through Christ and within the divine plan to liberate and transform all peoples, but also define our own. Within this new identity conferred by baptism, Paul seems to destroy certain social barriers and privileges created by entities of power in the Greco-Roman world and with which he grew up. While Galatians 3:26-29 already introduces some significant or relatively "revolutionary" changes in the context of the early Church, those changes seem to have initiated a movement that should lead us to make even more social changes. The prophetic scope of Galatians 3:26-29 has not been properly explored or exploited. We must not be satisfied with a literalist or timeless reading of Galatians 3:26-29 or one that will fossilize its implications. Among other things, we would have to identify other underprivileged groups not contemplated in this and other biblical texts. It would also be up to us to decide what language to use to refer to them and how to treat them in the light of the "Christ" event and the baptism that represents faith in him. An in-depth conversation with this passage can help in this process of recalibrating the nature and mission of the Church, as well as its identity.