Classification is convenient. By grouping a selection of entities or concepts according to a correlation or shared property, we facilitate organization and enable ease of explanation. For example, “fruits” may be distinguished from “vegetables” by the part of the plant they originate from, and anything identified as a “fruit” may be expected to exhibit similar traits to other things likewise identified. There is still a great deal of variety within the classification (potentially warranting further distribution, such as “citruses” and “berries”), but the label still provides the benefit of reference, whereby traits can be quickly attributed to an item just by identifying a class.
Some classifications, however, carry risks; especially concerning human beings. Throughout history, attempts to conceptually divide humanity into groups according to ethnicity have resulted in all manner of atrocities. The distribution of nations is more a legal classification, but nonetheless can be taken to an extreme of discrimination. Even divinely instituted categorization can be abused, as with God’s separation of male and female in Genesis 1:27; this is a holy distinction, but must be kept in proper context to God’s will for it.
Most complex of all are ideological designations. These are associations of preference and belief, specific branches of worldviews labeled and defined, and consist of religious distinctions and political affiliations. Often the risks in this area are that of overgeneralization, whereby a labeled person is stereotyped by it; in actuality, exhaustive adherence to a categorized belief is uncommon. If one wishes to establish a relationship with a person, whether vague acquaintance or trusting friendship, then such labels can only form a foundation at best, requiring further explanation to grant meaningful progress.
In my experience, people are rather reliant upon labels. I often receive requests from others for labels that apply to me – “are you a Christian;” “what denomination are you;” “what is your party?” I usually answer these questions with more detailed explanations than expected (i.e., “I hope I am a Christian, for I endeavor to follow Christ . . .”), and I try to avoid asking them myself. By my understanding, terms related to ideological classification are useful for discussing those ideologies, but not always helpful in furthering relationships. Indeed, if people choose to take such classifications at face value, they can even become counterproductive. I would much rather understand the bigger picture, and refrain from identifying myself with anything other than Christ and what He has given me.
1 Corinthians 1:10 – I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgement.
Be thoroughly considerate. TTT