Reflection on 11-30

It is interesting to me that so many groups identify with the Exodus story - the Puritans being one of them. Groups that identify with this story often do so because they are being persecuted. Nevertheless, self-identification with the Israelites (groups that identify with the Exodus story usually align themselves with the Israelites rather than Egypt)entails that the group be the special people of God. This sort of self-identification can (and often does) lead to an elitist mentality within the group that will manifest itself in the actions of the group towards outsiders; the result is not a compelling Christian witness of forgiveness and inclusion but rather creates a negative image of the group.