Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a topic that sparks significant debate, especially among Christians who grapple with its implications on personal freedoms and faith-based convictions. Many believers feel that the push for DEI policies, particularly regarding language and identity, can infringe on their rights to express their faith and beliefs freely. For example, the use of preferred pronouns is often viewed as a moral dilemma—some Christians see it as an endorsement of behaviors they consider sinful, leading to discomfort and concerns about conscience and religious liberty.
These encounters typically occur outside the church – in workplaces, schools, and public spaces. They represent moments where Christians are called to engage with the broader culture, much like Paul did during his time in Athens. His experience offers valuable insights into how believers might navigate contemporary discussions on identity and inclusion while remaining faithful to the Gospel.
Paul’s response to idolatry in Athens provides a compelling model. While waiting for his companions, he observed the many idols in the Agora and was deeply troubled. So, he began to share the gospel. His words intrigued the intellectuals of the city, leading to an invitation to speak at Mars Hill. There, despite having been troubled by the pervasive idolatry, he avoided condemning it and rather, chose to engage with them thoughtfully.1
There, Paul referenced an altar dedicated to an “unknown god” as a starting point for sharing the Gospel. By using cultural references familiar to his audience, he effectively guided them toward Christ. His method was not one of confrontation but of connection, resulting in some who believed immediately, others who rejected his message, and others that remained open to further discussion.
This approach aligns with Paul’s broader teachings on evangelism. In 1 Corinthians, he emphasized his willingness to sacrifice personal freedoms to reach others:
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Although he vehemently opposed Judaic legalism, Paul willingly adopted aspects of Jewish customs when necessary to connect with Jewish audiences. His flexibility in approach did not mean compromising his beliefs but rather prioritizing the greater mission of leading others to Christ.
How can this principle apply to modern debates, such as the use of pronouns? First, Christians must recognize that pronoun usage is often more than just a grammatical issue; it is a statement of identity. While the cultural focus tends to be on the physical and social aspects of identity, there may be deeper spiritual struggles at play. Rather than engaging in arguments over pronouns, Christians might consider a different approach—one that prioritizes understanding and effective communication over immediate opposition.
Second, this effective communication news to be Spirit-led so that it resonates with those they seek to reach.2 Just as Paul spoke in the language and context of his audience, Christians today must find ways to engage with individuals in terms they understand. This does not mean endorsing beliefs contrary to Scripture but rather using cultural touchpoints as a bridge to deeper conversations about identity and purpose. Instead of directly refuting someone’s chosen identity markers, Christians could shift the conversation to the broader question of identity in Christ. By doing so, they create an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work in the individual’s heart and reveal divine truth.
To follow Paul’s example, some Christians may find it necessary to use preferred pronouns in certain contexts—not as an act of endorsement, but as a means of building relationships and keeping doors open for meaningful spiritual discussions. If using pronouns allows a believer to establish rapport and share the Gospel more effectively, it may be a worthy sacrifice, just as Paul was willing to adapt for the sake of evangelism.
Of course, this perspective applies specifically to evangelism and the issue of pronouns, but the broader principle extends to many areas of cultural engagement. By thinking through these matters in light of Scripture, Christians can move beyond reactionary responses and instead adopt a mission-focused approach—one that seeks to reach hearts rather than simply win arguments. Ultimately, the goal is not to compromise truth but to ensure that truth is communicated in a way that invites others toward a relationship with Christ.
While the focus here has been on pronouns as one specific element of DEI, future posts may look more broadly at today’s social issues from a spiritual standpoint.
- Paul did reject the idea that God lives in human-made temples, but this wasn’t a rejection of idolatry per se, since his listeners would probably have agreed. Paul quoted a poem about Zeus that demonstrated their view that their own gods were more transcendent than physical temples and statues. ↩︎
- The idea that the Spirit empowers us to speak as people need to hear is a major theme of this blog: https://exploringantioch.com/tag/speakinginpower/ ↩︎
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