Abstract
Community through diversity incorporates all voices of the community. In our efforts to diversify, voices perceived as traditional are often silenced. Such silencing gives rise to misconceptions and stereotypes about what it means to be Christian, the perceived traditional American religion.
Many members of the community have believed the myth that Christians do not promote accessibility, inclusiveness, and understanding. This panel of diverse individuals, including people of Asian, African American, Native American, and Caucasian descent, students, graduates, and faculty, women and men, would like to suggest otherwise.
Additionally, we would like to address the myth that Christians think they are perfect. In truth, Christians recognize themselves as imperfect beings in need of a Savior. Recognizing our own limitations, we are guided by two basic commands: to love God and to love our neighbors. Individually, we have shown such love through working in medical clinics, youth meetings, literacy outreaches, and with families affected by autism. In every instance, some domestic and some international, our services have been offered freely and inclusively without question.
Like other groups who have been represented at earlier Diversity Conferences, we request opportunity to allow our voices to be heard. Christianity is monotheistic, but the panel will show our voices are not always monolithic.
In this presentation, we will seek to present Christianity in a coherent, academic manner. We will discuss the basic tenets of Christianity, the popular misconceptions, and the core beliefs Christians share.
