A monument and a name: A sermonic reflection on the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch

All too commonly, certain religious traditions teach (consciously or not) that some people only exist to enhance one’s own religious experience. Often this message is communicated through the well-meaning idea of serving Christ by serving the “least of these.” The recipient of this ministry is relegated to a tool through which one achieves sanctification, and the one “ministering” fails to see their inherent worth outside of what they can do for them. This notion appears in how ministers preach certain scripture passages, especially the story of Philip’s baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch. Sermons often emphasize Philip’s obedience or how Philip was stretched to welcome someone unlike him. These teachings reinforce the problematic paradigm above. Focusing instead on the “somebodiness” of the Ethiopian eunuch, however, provides a sobering reminder of the inherit worth of every individual, perhaps even especially those who hold marginalized sexual orientations and gender identities.