Human life flows through “structures of existence” that give coherence to our lives— government, family, religion, social expectations, traditions, and so forth. One’s clan, tribe or ethnic group is a prime example of these social structures that bring order to life.
For many of the world’s people, ethnic or tribal identity is THE primary structure that not only tells people “who they are,” but makes life both meaningful and livable day to day. During our years in Ethiopia—which has more than 80 distinct people groups—we experienced firsthand how ethnic diversity can enrich a society in the same way biological diversity enriches the natural world. But tribalism also has a darker side.
An obvious example is the 1994 ethnic cleansing in Rwanda, when more than 800,000 men, women and children of the minority Tutsi tribe died at the hands of the majority Hutus. But Rwanda is only a dramatic demonstration of what happens every day under the media radar. For example, a few years ago deadly conflict erupted between two tribal groups in western Ethiopia that tragically included Christians taking up arms to fight one another, even at times members of the same congregation. National Geographic has an excellent article about the more widely reported carnage between the Nuer and Dinka just across the river from Ethiopia in South Sudan.
One does not need to be a Christian to agree with theologian Stanley Grenz, who writes about how these structures of life can be warped away from their good purpose: “Despite God’s good intention for the structures, however, they can be manipulated for evil purposes. In this manner, what God intends as a means to promoting community can actually weaken it. Rather than aiding people in building community, the powers enslave them. Structures become a channel for evil, whenever they are pressed into the service of evil ends.” (my emphasis)
Political commentators have increasingly use “tribe” language today when describing demographic segments with cohesive worldviews. However, we are now witnessing a precipitous descent into the darker realities of tribalism, where what was intended to be good turns evil.
High school students from mostly white schools in Iowa and Indiana recently chanted racist slogans, “Trump,” and “build a wall” during basketball games against mostly Latino schools. It’s hard to think of a more wholesome “structure of existence” fostering community spirit than high school basketball in the Midwest. Talk about a “good structure becoming a channel for evil!”
Speaking of the racially charged taunting, one of the high school Principals said of his students: “They see it in a presidential campaign and now it’s OK for everyone to say this. It’s almost a sense that you feel that you don’t belong in your own country.”
When will enough people say “enough”? Yes, tribalism can be exploited politically. Although observers disagree, many say political exploitation is exactly what Hutu politicians did in Rwanda by blaming their country’s problems on the Tutsi minority—they awoke the beast and it devoured them.
(Later this week, my next post will evaluate tribalism from an explicitly Christian viewpoint—can tribalism become idolatry?)
Question: Are you concerned about the dangers of tribalism in America? Is my view overstated? Why or why not? Please write a comment to share your thoughts.
Wisdom. Thank you, Rich! Looking forward to the next post.
Hi Corrie, great to hear from you! Thanks for your comment and for following my blog. Best wishes!
Thank you,as a Latino and as an American this has always disturbed me as how easily tribalism can be used for divisiveness and evil.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! Are there any examples where you have particularly seen this divisiveness? I especially appreciate hearing your perspective! Hope you’ll keep reading. Another post tomorrow will continue this discussion.
I found your blog on Tribal theme thought provoking.
Some thoughts on “Tribal” as seen in everyday life:
School pride vs school rivalry – when the kids do destructive things to the opposing school as opposed to just supporting and cheering on their own team.
Sports team fans – What is wrong with just praising great efforts in sport and skilled players? Why do many have to attack the other teams? I was shocked by the vitriol of a 7 year old girl who was with us as we watched the super bowl pre-game presentation of past MVP players. She booed and hissed whenever a former Raider or 49er was announced because her parents cheered the Cowboys and hated certain other teams. And I doubt she had any clue about the game. Why do we have to attack others instead of just cheering on those we choose to support? I guess that idea applies to politics too…..
Pride of Country – How can we get back the pride of the many good things about America and her past generosity (whatever is good, think on these things – teach them to the next generations) and encourage the doing of these good things without being the arrogant Americans?
Some fascinating paradoxes that our fallen nature can really mess up.
Finally, another Paradox to ponder. What is the Christian’s role when it comes to using power or strength? It is said “Power corrupts” and in the hands of fallen man, it often does. Yet in a world full of fallen mankind, or “Tribes” (clans or countries or other groups with hostile actions), what is the role of the Christian?
On the one hand, I can have a personal relationship with those hostile around me that can respond in Christ-like manners that may help affect them to move closer to a redeemed life in Christ, yet on a Tribal or Country/Government level that may be a whole other realm of actions. In today’s imperfect world, how does a peaceful society living closer to a Christ-like life deal with another society’s attempt to annihilate them (like the ethnic cleansings that have happened historically)? I don’t have any easy answers, but I’m pretty sure our political culture today is not heading the right direction.