How Should Christians Respond to Racism?

Today’s children are being taught a whole new vocabulary: “Woke,” “Systematic Racism,” “Critical Race Theory,” “Whiteness,” and so many, many more divisive terms.  When we take a few minutes to really study history, we notice that great strides had been made toward eliminating racism in America.  It was not until 2010 that the embers of racism started being fanned again. Whether it was for political gain or simply to cause division, racism was resurrected and has been spewing forth with a vengeance. There have always been small pockets and fringe groups of Nazi’s, Skin-heads, etc.; but those backwoods groups that were not often heard from have been catapulted to the forefront by those seeking to divide our nation. So what is a Christ-follower to do? 

First, we must know the issues. Someone once said, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.”  Some attribute the quote to Abraham Lincoln, others to Mark Twain.  The real quote is found in Proverbs 17:28 – “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” So let’s look briefly at the issues, so we can know what we are really talking about.

• Critical Race Theory is a view of society that deems a group to be oppressed and another to be the oppressors.  (men vs. women, black vs. white, healthy vs. disabled, etc.)  CRT interprets everything through the lens of someone is oppressed and someone is the oppressor.
• The Bible teaches that all mankind are sinners in need of the Savior -- that no man is good enough to get to heaven -- and that their only hope comes through the blood of Jesus Christ that paid our sin debt. Notice that skin color never enters the equation.

• Social Justice is the desire to right the wrongs we see happening around us. Many Christians have a heart for social justice; but wrongly choose to participate in violence or become toxic in response to their feelings and emotions.
• Real change and transformation comes through exhibiting the love of Christ and working to bring unity in the church and across the community. The Apostle Paul said, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.”

• “Whiteness” takes on so many different meanings. A simple Google search will reveal that there are many differing definitions among those who use the term.  Most refer to the customs, culture and privileges of those having white skin in America. One groups states – “Racism is based on the concept of whiteness…” and calls it a constantly shifting boundary.
• Scientific Fact – All mankind have skin tones that are some shade of brown. The differences are simply the result of variations in pigmentation, stemming from genetics or exposure to the sun. So any cultural aspects associate with skin color are man-made and are learned within society and/or the family structure.

So what are people who teach these various concepts of racism trying to achieve?  It appears their ultimate goal is Utopia. They want everything to be perfectly equal among all the races. In addition, there are others who seek Utopia among genders, lifestyles, religions, etc.

The Bible is VERY clear regarding its teachings on prejudice and racism.  Sadly, some professing Christians have misused Bible passages to spread racist ideas; but the Bible teachings are very clear to those who truly seek its advice.

1. We are all created by God.

Genesis 2:7 - And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

2. We are all made in God’s image.

Genesis 1:26-27 -  Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” ²⁷ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

3. We are all one race.

Acts 17:26 – And He has made from one ^[a]blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,

4. We are all loved by God.

John 3:16 -  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Let me close this devotion with the lyrics to an old children’s song, written by George Root. The song is familiar and we would all do well to get reacquainted with its message during this time when racism is dividing the nation – and even the Church:

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red& yellow, black & white
They are precious in his sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world

Jesus cares for all the children
All the children of the world
Black and yellow, red and white
They're all precious in His sight
Jesus cares for all the children of the world

Jesus came to save the children of the world
Red and yellow Black and white
They're all precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world