Romans chapter 9 has been misunderstood as a passage about individual election, predestination, and personal salvation. But Romans is not a book of abstract, systematic theology. Romans is a pastoral letter written to a church with factions along cultural and ethnic lines. Paul is writing to the so-called “Weak” and “Strong” to reframe the stories they’ve been living in. Privilege was an key part of what was driving these groups apart, dividing the Body of Christ.

Today in the U.S., privilege also divides the Body of Christ. In a Post-Christendom society, many American Christians long to get back to the ‘good ol’ days’ when Christianity enjoyed pride of place in society. White Christians also struggle with understanding how their privilege operates and divides the church. Romans 9 is a challenge to our privilege that resonates for today.