A recent prayer service hosted by Ryan Polly, a hospital executive involved in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), has raised eyebrows within the Christian community.
The video, reviewed by Fox News Digital, showed Polly, a biological female identifying as a male, leading a prayer service that had White participants apologizing for their perceived internalized racism as white individuals.
Fox reports that the video has since been removed.
Polly, who serves as the vice president of DEI at MaineHealth, a hospital system with a workforce of over 20,000 employees, has been ordained as a “minister” of the group, One Spirit Learning Alliance. In the video, Polly instructs attendees on antiracist practices through a prayer dedicated to “loving spirits who are known by many names.”
This DEI ideology is deeply rooted in critical race theory and Marxist principles. Polly, attributing personal “racist narratives and biases” to skin color, urged participants to challenge systems designed to provide advantages to some while oppressing others.
However, from a Christian perspective, Polly’s claims and practices are raising serious spiritual concerns.
Praying to “spirits known by many names” veers into syncretism and leads individuals away from the truth of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that our identity is found in Christ alone. Verses such as Galatians 3:26-28 highlight the importance of being one in Christ, transcending human distinctions.
The Christian view of unity emphasizes our shared identity as believers, regardless of external attributes. Romans 12:4-5 underscores this unity within the body of Christ.
It is not just the ideologies that the DEI initiatives push that are dangerous, but also the spiritual doors that are opened when people pray to false, pagan entities. This influence is demonic in nature and aims to draw people away from the salvation, redemption and freedom found in Jesus Christ. It replaces these things with the oppression and hopelessness in false and pagan elements.
The spiritual battle, as described in Ephesians 6:12, is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Ideologies that stereotype and divide based on ethnicity aligns with malevolent spiritual realities. It’s important for Christians to discern and stand firm against such influences, as Ephesians 6:13-18 instructs.
While seeking justice and equality is crucial, it must align with biblical principles. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to engage in the battle for truth through spiritual weapons (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Engaging in dialogue and sharing the gospel is essential in countering the deceptive ideologies that are leading people astray.
Christians are reminded to be vigilant, anchored in the truth of Christ and discerning of ideologies that deviate from the Bible. The call to unity, justice and love should always be guided by the light of God’s Word. {eoa}
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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