Issues & Evidence

• Relationships are the first element of our identity to be examined.
• Relationships in humanity & nature are understood in terms of unity & diversity.
• Diversity emphasizes the parts of the relationship & unity the relationship itself.
• The philosophical extremes see only the wholes or the parts.
• Figure: "Unity & Diversity: The Issues."
• Is there a basis for both unity & diversity in the world?

• Like the other facets of our identity, Genesis reveals unity & diversity:

Unity & diversity are the basis of life's relationships.

• Unity & diversity in relationships are revealed throughout Scripture.
• Figure: "Relationships in God, Humanity & Nature."
• Unity & diversity are also seen at all levels in nature.
• See also: "Natural Law, A Topical Study from the Foundations Web Site."

• Humanity was made in the image of God (Gen 1:26).
• Nature was made to reflect God's attributes also (Rom 1:20).
• Human relationships & relationships in nature reflect God's unity & diversity.
• Human relationships are, therefore, at the very essence of our being.
• The unity & diversity of God, however, are difficult for many to understand.
• Model human relationships can give a glimpse of the character of God.

• The relationships in Genesis had both positive & negative influence (2:23, 3:6).
• All relationships in life have a positive & negative potential.
• Figure: "The Circle of Life: The Impact of Relationships."
• Relationships can shape us & we can shape others.

• All of society can be viewed in terms of its relational building blocks.
• Figure: "Relational Building Blocks of Society."
• A successful society is dependent upon the success of its more basic relationships.
• God, the author of relationships, offers guidance for success.
• Successful human relationships begin with a relationship with Him (Jn 15:4-5).