The Intersection of Identities in My Adoptive Family

As Christians, we're called to see the world through the lens of Christ’s teachings, which values every person as an individual made in God’s image. In this personal account, a pastor and adoptive father shares how his multi-ethnic family navigates the concept of intersectionality a framework that classifies people by their societal "advantages" or "disadvantages." Rather than labeling each family member by race or ethnicity, he teaches his children three core truths: that they are made in God's image, that they belong to a family, and that they are part of a greater community as Americans and, ultimately, as Christians.

The Roots and Rationale of Intersectionality

Intersectionality emerged from critical theory, focusing on identifying multiple layers of discrimination an individual might face. Initially, it sought to recognize overlapping inequalities such as those experienced by a person of both minority status and gender. Today, it has become a pervasive framework for viewing society, often dividing people into categories of "oppressed" and "oppressors" based solely on external attributes, often missing the individual human soul beneath the labels. For believers like Hunter, this view obscures the reality of God's creation and grace.

Intersectionality in the Family Context

The author, a father of five children from diverse backgrounds, shares his family’s experience as a "test case" of sorts. Though they embody multiple ethnicities and backgrounds, his children know themselves first as part of their family. Here, his approach to parenting emphasizes unifying truths over divisive labels. These children—whether adopted or biological are bound by love, respect, and the shared family name, which provides a stronger foundation than any societal label.

The author recounts a poignant moment when his daughter asked him, "What is intersectionality?" While tempted to shield her from such heavy topics, he realizes it's essential to prepare her with biblical principles of self-worth and identity in Christ rather than through categories society imposes.

Three Anchors of Identity for Children

In a world eager to define people by differences, Hunter offers his children three defining truths, which he believes provide a clearer, God-centered way to understand who they are.

• Made in God's Image: Each child is taught to see themselves and others as unique reflections of God's image, transcending race and other outward markers. This core truth reminds them of their inherent value and purpose.

• Belonging to Family: Beyond ethnicity, family bonds are foundational. Hunter shares his pride in being a "Hunter" family, a lineage not diminished but enriched by adoption. For his children, the family name anchors them in a love that cannot be quantified by skin color or heritage alone.

• Citizenship and Community: Finally, they are reminded of the privilege of being part of their larger community and country. Rather than seeing national identity as divisive, he views American citizenship as a meaningful aspect of belonging that emphasizes unity in diversity.

Faith as the Ultimate Identity

The ultimate identity for Hunter’s family is their shared faith. Grounded in Christ, they find their purpose, forgiveness, and eternal belonging. His response to the cultural emphasis on "diversity" within churches was to explain that their church is focused on worshiping Christ, who unites people from all backgrounds. Through this lens, faith is the bedrock of their relationship and community a safer “intersection” than any cultural framework could provide.

Conclusion

In a culture increasingly fragmented by ideological divides, Hunter’s family stands as an example of unity through faith. Intersectionality might offer a framework to understand societal challenges, but Hunter believes the gospel provides a more complete, hopeful answer. His family's approach is a reminder that love and belonging rooted in God transcend every social construct.

Together, we can seek a society that honors God-given dignity over societal divides, united in the love of Christ. Share this journey of faith and family with others, and subscribe to our newsletter for more faith-centered insights.