Streams of Mercy

Thy Kingdom Come? Thy Kin-dom Come? Which is it? I’ve come across the question again and again in my reading, so I decided to explore the different ways of thinking. My journey began with an article by Charles Wiley, in the September/October 2021 issue of Horizons Magazine, “Thy Kin-dom Come?” Jesus’ core message of “kingdom” calls us to reflect as well on the message of “kin-dom.“

Jesus used "kingdom" language all the time. Many of his parables talk about what the kingdom of God looks like: a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds that will grow into a huge tree; a treasure hidden in a field; a pearl of great price. It is a kingdom that the Beatitudes proclaim belongs to the poor in spirit as well as to those persecuted because of their struggle for justice. The kingdom of God belongs to the poor, for oh, how hard it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God.

People in Jesus' day were used to kingdom language and all that it implied: a patriarchal, hierarchical, oppressive, exclusive, exploitive, often violent, controlling system.

Even though kingdom language was common for Jesus, many feel that “kin-dom” is truly a better word for his vision for the world. Kin-dom may not be familiar to us, but has been used for decades by people who have wanted to get away from the imperialistic, patriarchal language of kingdom.

Unlike a kingdom, a kin-dom is inclusive, non-hierarchical, relational, compassionate, justice-oriented, and anti-imperial. The kin-dom recognizes the importance of each person's life and seeks to make decisions based on the common good. The presence of the kin-dom of God begins within each person to change hearts and minds until it hopefully becomes manifest in the world around.

The concept of kin-dom was brought to the theological table by Cuban immigrant, theologian and activist, Dr. Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz. ”Kingdom” suggests a vertical hierarchy and power-over, while “kin-dom” suggests a horizontal solidarity and power-with.

“‘Kin-dom’ is the union of ‘kindred persons’ who have a common interest and whose relationships are imbued with mutuality. Solidarity is the virtue of those who accept their interconnectedness and then respond to the oppression, pain, and injustice experienced by others as if they were members of the same caring family.”

As we pray for the kingdom of God to come on earth as it is in heaven, let us pray, as well, for the kin-dom of God to become real and tangible as we live and work together.

Elizabeth