Universalism or Exceptionalism?
By Jonathan Kuttab
At the core of international law is the concept of universalism. Essentially, the same rules, values, and expectations apply to everyone, friend and foe alike. It is also the principle behind the Golden Rule and the universal appeals of Christianity as well as Islam. It has its foundations in the unity of the Godhead, the father of us all.
Standing in contrast to this is the principle of exceptionalism: that one’s own country, tribe, or specific group are special and, as such, do not need to abide by the same rules as everyone else. In other words, we are uniquely good, advanced, and enlightened; we can govern on the basis of our own superior values; and we have no need to answer to anyone but ourselves and our own institutions. The danger, of course, is that once we believe we are special and unique, or exceptional, we become arrogant, and we often violate those very principles we might preach and demand of others. Such exceptionalism becomes our justification for privilege and our ticket for avoiding accountability and other restrictive rules.
Religion often plays a major part in this game: European colonialism, South African Apartheid, American “Manifest Destiny” alongside Christian Nationalism, and Israeli Zionism have all suffered from this malady. Each has justified their evil oppressions of others on the basis of some form of divine sanction or biblical basis. The “doctrine of discovery,” for instance, justified colonialism and ethnic cleansing of indigenous peoples by Christians who “discovered” the land already inhabited by non-Christians. The twin concepts of “a chosen people” and “divine land promises” have been utilized by such movements to bolster oppressive systems and practices. Part of the appeal of exceptionalist thinking is the claim that such uniqueness can become one’s mission, or even “ burden,” to bring one’s superior and enlightened values to the rest of the world—to be a “city upon a hill” and a “light to the nations.”
By contrast, Jesus, born already into a sectarian context and mindset, actively rejected such thinking. He chided those of his own people who claimed special privilege as being “Children of Abraham” and proclaimed a new universalist paradigm whereby the Kingdom of God is open to all humankind. He welcomed and consorted with the weak, the oppressed, the Samaritans, women, and the gentiles. The early church also wrestled with this exceptionalism, but eventually came to preach firmly Jesus’ message that in Christ there was no longer Greek or Jew, male or female, master or slave. We are all children of God. This was never a message of conformity, for all peoples are accepted and loved in their myriad particularities, but one of universal invitation and inclusion—of making space within oneself and one’s own identity for the presence and inclusion of the other.
This message is just as vital today, as we oppose racism, discrimination, and exceptionalism, whether in this country in the form of Christian Nationalism, or in Israel/Palestine in the form of Zionism. We proclaim God’s message of equality and universalism and call for a system of justice that rejects privilege and oppression. We support universal human rights in our assertion that all are made in the image of God and equally deserving of dignity and respect.
As FOSNA supports Palestinian liberation theology, we also resist white supremacy, Christian nationalism, and all forms of imperial religion. This is why we stand in solidarity with oppressed people everywhere, whether advocating on behalf of black lives, indigenous rights, or displaced, migrant, and stateless persons wherever they may be.
As an example of our commitment, FOSNA presented A Declaration Regarding Respect for the Bodies of the Deceased on Tuesday to the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. Endorsed by over 200 religious leaders from Christian, Muslim, and Jewish backgrounds, the petition urges Israel and others to end the practice of withholding the bodies of fallen combatants. The petition argues that, from the perspective of all three religions, such practice is abhorrent and should end immediately.
News & Announcements
Twenty First Century Slavery: A Call to Unity
Friends of Sabeel North America, Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, and Kairos USA issue Joint Statement in Support of Rev J. Herbert Nelson II, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
FOSNA invites you to join us in the upcoming events and activities:
January 29: A Celebration of the Life and Witness of Desmond Mipilo Tutu: Patron of Sabeel International. On Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 8:00pm Jerusalem Time, Sabeel and Friends of Sabeel will hold a memorial service (online) to celebrate the life and dedicated service of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who for many years was the International Patron of Sabeel.
February 2: A Human Rights Framework for a Political Solution. On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 12:00pm (EST) join Sahar Francis, General Director of Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, FOSNA's Jonathan Kuttab, co-founder of human rights organization al-Haq, and Rev. Loren McGrail, pastor and former director of the Jerusalem YWCA for an essential webinar hosted by United Church of Christ Palestine Israel Network.
Weekly
Kumi Now! Connecting activists around the world every Tuesday with the organizations working on the ground in Palestine and Israel to bring a just and lasting peace based on international law and nonviolence.
Week 4: Jerusalem. Once regarded as the center of the world, an epicenter of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, a symbol of the clashes of civilizations, demolished and rebuilt on at least eighteen occasions, conquered and reconquered more than thirty-seven times: truly, Jerusalem is a city of the world. The Israeli military occupied Jerusalem in 1967. Yet Israel started its efforts to claim Jerusalem as its alone years prior. Here’s what you need to know about Jerusalem and what you can do so that together we can rise up.
Sabeel Prayer Service. Join Sabeel every Thursday (6pm Jerusalem) for online Bible Study, discussion, and prayer. Examine scripture in light of the ongoing realities confronting the Palestinian Church and the pursuit of Palestinian liberation.
Wave of Prayer. Subscribe to receive Sabeel's Wave of Prayer, enabling friends of Sabeel around the world to pray over issues of critical concern to the Holy Land on a weekly basis.
