The Feast of the Epiphany is a story about outsiders recognizing truth while insiders cling to fear and power. In this episode, we explore how Christianity built an “us vs. them” worldview and how the Epiphany narrative quietly disrupts that whole system. When we follow the light of curiosity and inclusion instead of fear, we reclaim the very values these ancient stories were meant to teach!
Here is something we don’t usually associate with Christmas or the Epiphany: the idea that Christianity (yes, the religion built around “love your neighbor”) became one of the most powerful engines in human history for dividing the world into us and them. But here’s the strange part: the readings for the Epiphany actually undermine that whole mindset. They break the pattern.
The readings for the Epiphany of the Lord are about light shining on everyone, truth revealed to outsiders, and a world where belonging isn’t limited to one tribe. Yet, when we look at Christianity today, especially the loud, political forms of it, we see the opposite. They’re all about gatekeeping. Drawing lines. Policing identities. Deciding who’s in, who’s out, who’s worthy, and who God allegedly hates this week.
The irony is… the very stories they quote to justify exclusion are the same ones that say the outsiders get it first.
So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!
