What Does the Bible Say About Racism?

What Does the Bible Say About Racism?

Introduction

Although the concept and ideas that underpin racism have been around for a very long time, the word itself is not in the Bible but is of a relatively recent origin. Few would be surprised that the word began to be used in the early to mid‑1930s in Germany. It was a term used in Nazi theories in the context of their supposed superiority over others. While the term is modern, the attitudes it describes—prejudice, hatred, and discrimination based on ethnicity or appearance—are as old as humanity itself. The Bible addresses these attitudes not by using the word "racism" but by speaking to the heart of the matter: the value of every human being as created in the image of God.

A Question of Perspective

First, you might ask yourself a question. How would you like someone to tell you that you are not liked because of your skin color or ethnic origin? Wouldn't you want a chance to show them that you were a decent person? If you think you are a unique person and that no one is exactly like you, you would be right. So is the person you disdain. Every human being is a unique creation, fearfully and wonderfully made. To dismiss someone based on a surface characteristic is to deny their inherent dignity and the complexity of their humanity.

Humans, in general, have a great deal in common. God says He made all humans of one blood (Acts 17:26). We all eat, sleep, drink, go to the bathroom, and share numerous other characteristics. Whatever skin color we may wear does not make us any less human than another. We all have feelings. Most of us want others to like us. What is the purpose of not liking another human? The differences that exist among people are superficial compared to the profound commonalities that unite us. We all share the same basic needs, the same desires for love and acceptance, and the same mortality. Racism is ultimately a denial of our shared humanity.

Satan's Deception

Satan is brilliant when it comes to orchestrating deception. He has managed to persuade people to make problems when there need be none. No more effectively has he done this than with race and racism. Satan has deceived people into thinking something is a problem simply by defining it into existence. By creating division and suspicion among people groups, he distracts from the real issues of the human condition—sin, rebellion against God, and the need for redemption.

Racism is one of the enemy's most effective tools for sowing discord. It turns neighbor against neighbor, creates unjust systems, and perpetuates cycles of hatred and violence. It blinds people to the truth that all are equal before God and that God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34). The apostle Paul declared, "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" (Galatians 3:28). In Christ, the divisions that humans create are broken down.

A Criticism of God's Handiwork

God created this universe and everyone in it. People exist in their variety because God designed it that way. Put simply, racism is a criticism of His handiwork. If you said you did not like me because of some physical characteristic, I might say, "Look, buddy, your complaint is with the One who created me. I cannot change a characteristic you do not like just because you ask. None of us has asked to be on this planet nor to possess the characteristics that we have. It is between you and God if you choose not to like someone. Complain to Him!"

The variety of human appearances is not an accident or a mistake. It is a reflection of God's creativity and His delight in diversity. Just as a garden is more beautiful with many different flowers, humanity is richer because of its many cultures, languages, and physical traits. To despise someone because of their appearance is to despise the creative work of God. It is to elevate one's own preferences above the wisdom and design of the Creator.

The Miracle of Humanity

We need to give up our silly ideas about race. What is so wrong with a person looking the way they do? What is wrong with a person having the characteristics they have? If you are honest with yourself, you will come to the same conclusion as others: human beings are miracles. There is nothing wrong with them just because they exist. Every person is a living testimony to the power and creativity of God. The psalmist wrote, "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well" (Psalm 139:14). If this is true of each individual, it is true of every individual, regardless of their ethnicity or appearance.

God's creation is a reflection of Himself and His way of thinking. If there are red, blue, yellow, white, or any other color of flowers, it is not the flower's fault. Flowers have nothing to do with what color they are. The intelligent being that designed the flower is responsible for their color. In the same way, the diversity of human appearances is the work of God, and it is good.

The Destructive Nature of Racism

Hate and intolerance only beget more hate and intolerance. That is what is wrong with this world. Do you really want to be a part of propagating a philosophy of racism that helps fuel the fires that may ultimately wipe out humanity? History bears witness to the devastating consequences of racism—from slavery and segregation to genocide and ethnic cleansing. These are not abstract concepts; they are the bitter fruits of a worldview that denies the image of God in others.

The Bible commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to treat others as we would want to be treated (Luke 6:31). Racism is a direct violation of these commandments. It is a failure to see the image of God in another person and a refusal to extend the love and grace that we ourselves have received.

The Clear Conclusion

The Bible does not use the word "racism," but it speaks clearly to the attitudes that underlie it. All humans are made of one blood, created in the image of God, and equal in His sight. Racism is a deception of Satan that divides people and distracts from the truth of our common humanity. It is a criticism of God's creative work and a violation of the command to love one another.

God designed humanity with variety and diversity, and this diversity is a reflection of His own creativity. To despise someone because of their ethnicity or appearance is to despise the work of God. The antidote to racism is not political correctness or forced tolerance, but a genuine recognition of the dignity and worth of every human being as a child of God. It is to see others as God sees them—precious, valuable, and loved.

As the apostle Peter learned when God showed him that the Gospel was for all people, "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" (Acts 10:34–35). This is the biblical perspective on race: there is only one race—the human race—and all are equally beloved by God.

This article is based on a careful examination of Scripture, including Acts 17:26, Galatians 3:28, Acts 10:34–35, Psalm 139:14, Mark 12:31, and Luke 6:31. For further study, consider reading the full accounts of Peter's vision in Acts 10 and Paul's teachings on unity in Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the Bible mention racism?

A: The word "racism" does not appear in the Bible because it is a modern term. However, the Bible addresses the attitudes of prejudice, favoritism, and hatred based on ethnicity or appearance. It teaches that all people are created equal and that God shows no partiality.

Q: What does the Bible say about different ethnicities?

A: The Bible teaches that all people are made of one blood and are created in the image of God (Acts 17:26, Genesis 1:27). The diversity of nations and languages is part of God's plan, and He desires that people from every nation come to know Him (Revelation 7:9).

Q: How should Christians view people of other races?

A: Christians are called to love all people as themselves and to treat others with respect and dignity. Racism is a sin that denies the image of God in others and violates the command to love one's neighbor.

Q: Did God create different races?

A: The Bible does not speak of "races" in the modern sense. It speaks of nations, peoples, and families. The physical differences among people are a result of God's creative diversity and the dispersion of humanity after the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). All humans share a common ancestry and a common nature.

Q: Can a racist be a true Christian?

A: The Bible teaches that genuine faith in Christ transforms the heart and leads to love for all people. A person who persists in racist attitudes while claiming to follow Christ is contradicting the teachings of Scripture. The apostle John wrote, "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar" (1 John 4:20).

Q: What can we do to overcome racism?

A: Overcoming racism begins with recognizing the image of God in every person and repenting of any prejudice in our own hearts. It involves seeking to understand others, building relationships across cultural lines, and standing against injustice. Most importantly, it requires the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who breaks down the walls of division and makes us one in Christ.