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Christian Teachings on Racial Discrimination
Racial discrimination is a term that refers to when people are treated badly because of their skin colour, ethnic or racial background. For example, someone may be excluded from a restaurant because of their ethnic o
rigin, or someone may refuse to do business with a whole group of people for the same reason,
All Christians believe racial discrimination is wrong. This is because of what the Bible teaches and the example of Jesus. The following list provides some of the main reasons:
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches Christians that they should love and look after all people, regardless of their race. 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' Luke 10:27
- The Golden Rule teaches Christians that they should treat others the same way that they want to be treated.
- 'So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female.' Genesis 1:27 This shows all are created by God, therefore all are equal.
- 'A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.' John 13:34
- God doesn't have favourites. 'As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message.' Galatians 2:6.
- Paul taught: 'There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' Galatians 3:28 God accepts everyone, there is no difference between races.
- Throughout the gospels, Jesus is shown treating people with agape love. This is the kind of love that is like God's for us: pure, sacrificial, and unconditional. Jesus taught that everyone is equal.
- All humans are different, but ultimately they are all ultimately created by God, coming from Adam. Whilst nations might be different, these differences are designated by God and should be celebrated. 'From one human being, he created all races of people and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live.' Acts 17:26
Another reason that Christians believe racial discrimination is wrong is that they feel it causes problems for society.
To find out about the work of Martin Luther King, who fought against racial discrimination in America, click here.