The Struggle With Identity

The Struggle With Identity | Christian Standard, September/October 2022 examines identity through biblical, cultural, ethnic, political, and ecclesial lenses. The issue’s cover theme runs through articles that ask how Christians should understand identity in Christ while also addressing race, gender, ethnicity, church life, media influence, and the pressures of contemporary culture.

Jerry Harris opens the issue by contrasting constructed identity with the hidden identity God gives his people in Christ. Michael C. Mack then reflects on the church’s own identity as Christ’s witness in a skeptical culture. Major feature articles explore identity from several angles: Wes Beavis asks how believers should respond when the world tries to dismantle their God-given identity, Jerome Gay Jr. confronts the whitewashing of Christianity in America, Ben Cachiaras addresses politics in the church, Osharye Hagood considers women in the church, and Tokishia Dockery-Ragland writes on ethnic identity and the multiethnic church.

The issue also includes practical ministry articles for pastors, elders, and families, with Jeff Faull on primary identity in Christ, Tyler McKenzie on church growth and idolatry, Rudy Hagood on keeping Christ above marriage, and Chris Philbeck encouraging preachers to stay faithful. Additional pieces address school shootings, digital technology, misunderstanding in ministry, and the collision of personal stories with gospel truth.

Taken together, The Struggle With Identity | Christian Standard, September/October 2022 offers a substantial and timely exploration of how Christian identity should be grounded not in culture’s shifting categories, but in Jesus Christ.