Racism: A Christian Perspective
No sector of our society remains untouched by racism. Sadly, even among Christians, racism persists. In today's blog, Dr. Juan Valdes takes us through the thought process God wants every believer to adopt towards this very divisive social issue.
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Racism has no place in this world! God is not a racist! Jesus was not a racist! Christianity is not racist! Yet, racism continues to afflict us. No sector of our society remains untouched by it. Sadly, even among Christians, racism persists. Unfortunately, racism will remain a problem as long as we fail to recognize that there is ONLY ONE race—the human race.
The problem of racism begins with this world’s misunderstanding of what it means to be human. This becomes rather obvious when we read how the word “racism” is defined. According to the Random House dictionary, racism is defined as, “a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others; hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.” (emphasis added)
Imbedded in the very definition is the erroneous view that there are various human races. That is not the way God created this world. There is only one race—the human race! We come in different sizes, shapes, colors, etc.… but we are essentially the same, human.
Imbedded in the very definition is the erroneous view that there are various human races. That is not the way God created this world. There is only one race—the human race! We come in different sizes, shapes, colors, etc.… but we are essentially the same, human.
The problem of racism begins with this world’s misunderstanding of what it means to be human.
Racism stems from the sinful notions that some colors are better than others, that some cultures are better than others, that some physical features are better than others, or that one gender is better than the other. The New Testament makes it abundantly clear that in Christ there is no room for any of these notions. The Apostle Paul expressed it to the Galatians in no uncertain terms,
"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:26-28). Emphasis added.
We all descend from Adam and Eve! We are all made in the image of Almighty God! Therefore, any idea of superiority is ungodly.
What does the Bible teach about racism? One of the most inspiring anti-racism word portraits ever painted is a picture of heaven that the Apostle John describes as God allowed him a glimpse.
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands” (Rev. 7:9).
This is God’s best for the human race! While the Bible includes many examples of racism (and murder, stealing, lying, etc.), the biblical message is not one of approval but a clear condemnation of it. Among the many passages, we find the admonition of 1 John 2:9, “He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.” How about James 2:9, “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”
One way to reduce racism is to teach people about God’s truth. God says we are all one race. Adults need to understand and believe this. Then they can teach their children to see racism as unacceptable. Children are not born racist; they learn it. Let’s teach our children to love one another, regardless of size, shape, gender, or color. The words of the old Sunday School song come to mind—“Red and Yellow, Black and White, we are precious in His sight.” I believe Clare Herbert Woolston (1856-1927), the Chicago preacher who wrote that song, was onto something.
Every pulpit across this great nation should be preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, including love and fairness. Our churches ought to be filled with people of all colors, sizes, and shapes, worshipping together as one. Let us proclaim loudly, “There is no place for racism in this world and there surely will be no racism in the world to come.”
To learn more about Dr. Juan Valdes or to book him as a speaker, click HERE.
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