Why Galatians 3:28 remains so important
A real-life illustration from India
The pattern of the Lohe Shawl, traditionally worn by both men and women among the Naga tribes of northeast India.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. —Galatians 3:28
I love it when daily life shows the value of a biblical message. Worring Kashung, academic dean at a school in south India, provided this wonderful example in an article last year.
In parts of India, shawls or other clothing items often tell a cultural story. Members of the Naga tribes living in the states of Manipur and Nagaland in northeast India commonly wear something called a Lohe Shawl—an attractive wrap with red, black, and green colors that highlights the tribes’ artistry and craftsmanship.
By interviewing 50 informants regarding the Lohe Shawl, Kashung learned three aspects of its perceived sociocultural meaning:
Inclusivity and unity. The Nagas often experience conflict between tribes. However, the sharing of the same shawl across multiple tribes communicates a sense of oneness that overrides tribalism and discrimination.
Socioeconomic cohesion. Both rich and poor wear the same shawl, implicitly challenging the Indian class system and indicating that one should not give preference to those with greater wealth or social status.
Gender equity. Both men and women wear the same shawl, symbolizing that they are of equal value.
Those are impressive statements. But Kashung also found, to his disappointment, that the Nagas did not generally live up to the meanings attributed to this shawl. Instead, even in Naga churches, the social harmony that the shawl is supposed to signify was often frayed. This is what he observed:
People tend to prefer people of their own tribe. For example, in the selection of church leaders, tribal affiliation often supersedes ability as a determining factor.
The rich receive preference, even in the church. Typically, the wealthy people who contribute the most money control church administration.
Gender discrimination is rampant in many forms. For example, a married man can have a lover without consequences, but a woman who commits adultery can be kicked out of the home and forced to leave with only the clothes on her back.
As Kashung reflected on these three inadequately applied lessons of the shawl, he realized that the apostle Paul addresses exactly the same points in Galatians 3:28. The first three powerful clauses in that verse categorically deny difference in value or significance based on ethnic affiliation, socioeconomic status, or gender.
But Galatians 3:28 adds a fourth powerful, positive statement that the Lohe Shawl cannot make: “for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” We have a Savior and spiritual guide who enables us to overcome our natural tendency toward social division.
Kashung concluded, “As Paul teaches us with his memorable verse, it is very difficult to achieve social equality unless our oneness is based in Jesus Christ.”
Have a great weekend!