The family of the old Adam has been split asunder as a result of sin. Through the saving work of Christ we are reborn and now live "In Christ" as the family of God. This is the "adoption of sonship" spoken of by Paul.
I don't think "cousin" is much better as it seems to posit some genetic link which would undermine the understanding of rebirth in Christ. Family ties that bind the household of God are found in repentance, baptism and shared faith in Christ. I would say there are no cousins as our "genetic link" is the blood of Christ.
This refusal to name them cousins should not stem from a denial of their humanity or the reality that they are image bearers of God.
Posted in: Is it Legitimate for a Christian to Refer to a Muslim as a Brother/Sister?
The family of the old Adam has been split asunder as a result of sin. Through the saving work of Christ we are reborn and now live "In Christ" as the family of God. This is the "adoption of sonship" spoken of by Paul.
I don't think "cousin" is much better as it seems to posit some genetic link which would undermine the understanding of rebirth in Christ. Family ties that bind the household of God are found in repentance, baptism and shared faith in Christ. I would say there are no cousins as our "genetic link" is the blood of Christ.
This refusal to name them cousins should not stem from a denial of their humanity or the reality that they are image bearers of God.