Signs on "the dividing wall of hostility" Ephesians 2:14

After studying Ephesians 2:11-22, these are some ideas stimulated by this Bible study

1. New Testament Jews

 God's Chosen Superior People *

• chosen/superior righteous
• righteous people need not repent
• no repentance leads to judgment

social institution temple - "den of robbers"

*a corruption of God's servant/just people

2. Americans

 God's "Chosen" Superior People

• manifest destiny
• American exceptionalism
• WASP - White, Anglo-Saxon Protestant
• rich, white, males

social institution slavery, white church

3.  French/Haitian

• superior people/culture
• Although the French blamed Haitians for being voodoo ridden and demonic the truth is the real demon was woven tightly with French ethnocentrism and oppression. In other words, the institution of slavery was far more demonic than voodoo ceremonies.

social institution slavery, rich elite

4.  Conclusion:

Jews, Americans and French were all ethnocentric; ethnocentrism is a form of idolatry.  Ethnocentrism/idolatry is license to oppress others. 

5.  Solutions:

What new sign or signs should the church put on the walls of hostility to replace false ethnic superiority and social institutions of oppression?  How can social reconciliation based on the cross and implemented by the church replace walls of hostility?  One key component to a solution by the church would be to develop biblically based theologies on oppression and justice.