Apparently, there is a difference between the word 'racism' and the word 'prejudice', so I've recently learned. Racism is basically directed at a particular group or individual outside of ones own ethnic group, whereas prejudice is directed within the same set group. Whichever, both give birth to some nasty stuff.
To be more precise, let's look at what the Dictionary_Oxford Languages states about 'racism'. It reads,
"...discrimination or antagonism by an individual, community or institution against a person or people on a basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a miniority or marginalized."
Secondly, it is,
"...the belief that different races possess distinct characterictics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another."
What a slap in the face to be on the receiving end of racism! As followers of Jesus Christ, I hope we each take note of this and all the upcoming blurb in this article. Listen to God's Word on the subject, even if you don't want to hear my opinion, there are plenty of Bible verses to contemplate; listen to God's opinion.
Also from the Dictionary_Oxford Languages source, we learn 'prejudice' is deemed,
"...preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience within a set group. "
For example, a teacher may think that all boys are into sports and girls will sit prettily prim and work at their academics. She manipulates the students and lessons accordingly.
There are so many nuances that racism and prejudice produce. Some are quietly perpetrated where perhaps only the menancer and the victim know what's happening but of course, other times instances are outright overt and obvious and ongoing. Even words in the form of common statements we often make or hear can shoot like poisoned arrows at the hearts of those who know they are the target. Whether veiled or obvious, or even if the true meaning has been lost in time and overuse, let's take note of what we ourselves say. Reform our speech in all areas to reflect God's law of love, kindness and blessing.
Here's a few such hurtful statements to avoid...
One that shocked me but that I'd never even given a token blink at until I'd come to young adulthood is, "cotton pickin' fingers". This really makes me sick to think of now. It insinuates stealing or interferring and is meant as a slur of fiery dart aimed at Black slaves. I'd use this on my siblings when young and even caught myself using it on others. This is something I needed to get rid of from my vocabulary.
"Off the reservation" has the connotation of "went rogue" or "deviated from what is customarily expected." This phrase intended to insult 1800's Native Americans who dared defy the order to stay on their designated reservations. Nowadays, folks likely don't think twice about its original barb. Delete this expression from your word bank.
After researching for some of these abusive remarks, it was only some days later I heard a certain cheer at the declaring of Prince Charles of England morphing into King Charles III, all officials led the populace with three cheers of, "Hip, hip, hooray!" It startled me.
What's so terrible about this you may ask? I asked it myself.
Digging deeper, I found that this is a slight and rallying cry to attack Jewish people. The 'hip, hip' bit was once "Hep, Hep!" from the time of the Hep-Hep Riots (1819 pograms against Ashkenazi Jews - Kingdom of Bavaria in the German Confederation [wikipedia]). Try using just, "Hooray" or "Yay!" instead. It may not have the full vibe you are used to but you can get used to it if you persist in wishing not to give offence to others.
"Eenie Meenie Miney Mo, catch a monkey by the toe," which children are often taught to say when selecting who is 'it' in a game, for example, was once more ominously employed and did not used to say, 'monkey'. When a slave owner wished to select a punishment to wreck upon a caught runaway Black Slave, he would use this ditty. Can we please teach our children to 'flip a coin' or use the 'scissors, paper, rock' choosing method instead?
"Long time, no see" mimicks Chinese workers who'd come to North America or even the Native Americans, for that matter. "Haven't seen you in a while!" is a better choice here for those who wish for something better sounding.
There are so many such expressions but I want to insert one more here - "moron". I really hate this one because it insults people, insinuating they are of low intelligence. This cutting remark was once used against Hungarian, Italian and Jewish immigrants streaming through Ellis Island, only to be deported if one got labelled 'moron'. To even use this term for those who are truly mentally challenged is so disparaging! Cut it out!
No doubt, we can all think of loads more to add to such a nefarious list.
"Let the words of our mouths be...acceptable and pleasing in God's sight" (Psalm 19:14 KJV/NIV).
Multiple reasons surface that cause people to be racist. One very ugly one is a person's greed and self-interest. Just picture the slave trade. Many land and plantation owners perpetuated the myth that Blacks were made to be slaves, were lesser and inferior human beings, if they even considered them to be human in the first place. Tobacco, sugar and cotton were the terms of slavery and sustaining it.
Other reasons include, scientific racism determined by so-called scientists, that head size indicated level of intelligence! Many polices discriminate, sending subliminal and/or outright messages that one ethnic group is more superior to another. For example, in some countries only certain ethnic groups in a multicultural nation are allowed to own land. Isn't a citizen, a citizen and therefore entitled to such a right?
The media is also a guilty party in misrepresenting certain groups to be 'less than' others. Movies, commentators, and certain groups are made to appear more prone to devious, criminal acts by the writing and posting more of those misdemeanours and criminal acts than that of other groups.
Believers in Jesus Christ, let us not stereotype but see that each individual is loved by God our Heavenly Father and made in His image. Let us not be "good people" who don't challenge racism, or have that desire to "keep peace". Even if we don't believe we are personally racist, when we do not confront the barbs and slurs, one way or another but keep silent, we become "the front" and give licence to those who are white hot with hate and work subversively, relentlessly, against others who are not "like them".
Do not fail to recognise racism in its many forms. No doubt,
"Birds of a feather flock together,"
as they say.
I agree it is often easier to understand ones "own group or culture" and because of fear of the unknown of another one, we favor "our own". Don't let community ties disbar others from our circle of comfort, friendship and care. Additionally, don't make minorities within your community become the scapegoat, blaming them for your not getting the promotion on a job and so forth.
The beliefs and behaviours of individuals, the stereotyping, fear of being overtaken by another ethnic group like Pharoah in Egypt feeling threatened by the rising population of Israelites (Exodus 1:8), like Darwin's "survival of the fittest", which says certain ethnic groups are more superior because of their ability to, well, survive, are more reasons that stimulate, incubate and sustain racism.
This is erroneous as can be seen in Old Testament Bible times where it was, more often than not, the wicked that were punished and not because of which nation or ethnic background from whence a person had come. We Christians must not ignore or avoid recognizing and confronting racism. Find avenues to constructively discuss these matters. One example I read of was when someone says, "Black Lives Matter," don't retort, "Yeah, ALL lives matter." It's true all lives matter but to interject this in this situation is a glossing over of soft and hard core racism."
Prejudice, discrimination, segregation and stereotyping each contribute to racism. A person is not inferior just because they do not know how to do something 'your' way. Your 'victim' may well be accomplished in numberous other ways. When an individual is seen in a negative light, he or she will not be given the same opportunities as the "in" group and thus experience discrimination that leads to racism and prejudice. Similarly, with the idea and actions of segregation.
America was meant to be a melting pot, or so they said, not a tossed salad from which to pick out and dispose of "offending" vegetables. Integrate, not segregate, dear brothers and sisters-in-Christ. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are "one in Christ". Act it.
(I have had things to say on this topic before and will include the links to those related articles at the end for anyone interested.)
Stereotyping creates quick, unconscious (sometimes) judgements about a person. This can happen when a majority views a minority ethnic group and visa versa, polarizing one's thoughts and good actions for or against another.
Personally, I have experienced this many times. Once I went to pay rent money to the landlord, who was of the majority in the area I was living. He said, "Wow! You are not like the others of your race!" I think he meant it as a compliment but I did feel a bit offended, thinking, I'm an honest person and will deliver what is owed, when it's owed, what kind of a person did he think I was?
Consequently, I'd say that a person can be "racist" even if he or she is not white or of a majority ethnic group in any given region. Just a simple example...
I'm married to someone not of my own ethnic origin and live in the country where I am a minority. There are many multicultural groups within the area. If I meet someone new and they ask, "Why are you here?" I'll mischieviously answer, "I'm married to a local." The inquirer can't stand it until they know specifically, which type of local. This is one way one can point out to Christians, at least, the extent of their own racist genes. The one group that they give a sigh of relief to, if I name that culture, is the "that type of local". This is very telling.
Immigration registration cards (in the older days), demanded "which race are you?" Again, I would fill in my nationality rather than give in to the race politics. Racism is alive and sickly well, no matter where you go in the world.
There are a great number of pros and cons for churches, as a whole, to remain segregated along racial lines. For one, it is easier if the language and culture can deal with the more particular issues a respective group generally has to deal with in society and life. Hearing messages in ones' own mother tongue is a huge factor to reaching an individual's heart which may otherwise not be touched by the significance of the words and message of Jesus being explained in another language even if they are conversant to some extend therein. Some things do get lost in translation.
On the other hand, a multicultural gathering could demonstsrate God's love with greater impact. As the Scriptures record Jesus saying,
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).
It would be truly amazing not only in the homogenous group but especially in the cross-cultural one.
I have seen this from watching/listening to YouTube sermons by Tony Evans, that his congregations have Blacks, Whites and even Asians in the audience. They all seem to be focused on "drinking in the word" as expounded so effectually by Brother Evans. I have never visited that Dallas, Texas church in person so I cannot fully vouch for the relational dynamics among the people groups but they are one in Christ and I pray they work together, in love and keep the unity of the Holy Spirit in the bond of peace for Jesus' sake (Ephesians 4:3).
Overall, I'd say that segregation is not good so long as each person is sensitive for the good of each other and to build each other up in their most holy faith to reach maturity in Christ. God wants people from every tribe and nation to come together to worship Him. Yes, there will be the inevitable clashes of culture and personality but those are opportunities to show God's radical love in action for each of Jesus' disciples. There is no more Jew or Gentile but all are ONE, in Christ (Galatians 3:8).
Ask yourself, "What is Christian culture?" Do I see myself as a child of God, first and foremost before I'm devoted with proud patriotism for my own ethnic claim? Your answers to these questions will reveal your standing. You can take it from there and ask the Lord's help to govern yourself more to His will and ways. Living according to and in the Holy Spirit's steps and producing the fruit of the Spirit in your life will aid you in this direction.
Racial prejudice was even a problem back in Bible times. Look at some of these remarks.
"Can any good thing come out of Nazareth" (John 1:46)?
"You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan...how can you ask me for a drink" (John 4:9)?
"I will send you to the Gentiles..."
produced a noisy, angry, shouting crowd, hurling,
"Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live" (Acts 22:21-23)!
Let us not judge according to outward appearance. This is a lesson God taught Samuel so long ago. God said that he looked at the heart, unlike mankind who looks at a person's looks (1 Samuel 16:7).
This is an excellent lesson for us today. After all, God created man in His own image, creating them male and female (Genesis 1:26-27). Therefore, no one ethnic background or gender, for that matter, is superior to another.
"From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. For in Him we live and move and have our being...we are His offspring" (Acts 17:26, 28 NIV).
I love this verse. It is so succinct! There's only one race - the human race OR in other words, God's offspring. This is integral fact to keep in mind - "made in the image of God".
With all that said, then why did God command the Israelites of Moses' time to remain separate and pure (Deuteronomy 7:6-8)?! Were they a superior race? NO indeed! The Deuteronomy verses pinpoint what God was after. He wanted them to know He loved them and that He was deadset on keeping His oath He'd made to their forefathers. If they thrived it was because of Him and they're keeping their part of the covenant, to follow His commands motivated by their reciprocated love and relationship with Him.
When one considers themself superior to others, one can term this "a sin of pride". Pride and conceit and deceive themself with their un-lofty belief. The Bible warns us to consider others with humility and to look at the interests of others and not our own. If we adopt this way of thinking, we will not think we are better or superior in any way, above others (see Galatians 6:3; Philippians 2:3-4).
Extending this thought, look at God's attitude about different races of people (actually I prefer to say ethnic background). Since there's only one race - the human one, which we established earlier, the Bible says in Galatians 3:28,
"...so in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith."
Then we have Peter's vision on the Simon the Tanner's rooftop. God told him NOT to call "unclean" what He, God, had made clean. Peter says,
"I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him..." (Acts 10:24-35).
Can you see how God's attitude about the different people groups is that there is only one and He treats each individual equally? He accepts all from every nation. He helps all. As followers of Jesus Christ, let's have the same mind as Christ and adopt His attitude wholeheartedly (Philippians 2:3-4). By now you must be seeing the theme and message quite clearly.
With this in mind, could a brother or sister-in-Christ be a member of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), or of some other racial gang? This is serious issue. Check your heart, do deep cleanses and uprooting of deep-seated hatred and prejudice or even of those subconsciously held. Ask the Holy Spirit to seek out those areas and to convict you of them whether they are in your thoughts, words, and/or deeds. Time to "houseclean" them all.
Think of how the FBI or even police investigators fine-tooth comb a suspect's home, fingerprinting here and there, shuffling through cupboards, bedrooms, papers, computer and other such devices. They leave a mess in their wake, but if when the Holy Spirit goes through His investigations on our beneficial behalf, His will be a clean sweep with your permission, co-operation and obedience. Be free from all prejudice as much as is humanly possible with such divine help. Have the mind of Christ and take God's attitudes.
Let's NOT be liars saying we love God but not our brother. John tells us,
"He has commanded us..."Whoever loves God must also love his brother" (1 John 4:20-21).
Keep this squarely in mind, none of us should be a member of the KKK or any other such gang. It is wrong to belong to them. Loving your brother will be helping to care for those outside any group as well as of those in the body of Christ, from every tribe, people groups and nation, instead of trying to kill or harm them in other ways.
Love reacts positively and beneficially to any person - regardless of ethnic background, social standing, or anything else. It will not show favoritism, insult, exploitation or destructive action. Love will embrace all peoples, loving them as one would oneself, instead of creating divisions and segregations (see James 2:1-10).
The Holy Scriptures which are able to make us wise unto salvation and Christian living that honors God, are showered with verses from old to new testatments with phrases and words that are exciting to ponder upon along the lines of Racism; or should I say, which preclude it.
Look at Isaiah 2:2-4 (NIV),
"...the LORD's temple will be established...and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples come...He will judge between nations and will settle disputes for many peoples."
"All nations," "many peoples," "judge...and settle disputes for many peoples" - God is so gracious and merciful, can you see it?
God says through Joel (2:28-32 NIV),
"I will pour out my Spirit on all people...everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved..."
We can read these verses again, quoted by Luke in Acts 2:21, 39 at their fulfilling. These are things the Jews had been told by God about the Gentiles.
Of course, as we read through the New Testament we see the racial prejudice was alive and well. Believers in Christ had to be taught again, how to behave since Jesus' death and resurrection broke down the barrier and made us "one in Christ."
The encounter of Peter and Cornelius has already been alluded to. These must have been such exciting times for the Gentiles. I am so glad God included us too in His big family. Aren't you? Let us embrace each other as the church is supposed to be one humanity.
It really took a miracle for Peter and his fellow-Jews to "get it" - to understand God's will and intentions in this as the Law of Moses was so ingrained in them and they really were devout followers. God had to give Peter his rooftop jolt but he was obedient to this revelation that God would grant repentance which leads to life in Christ and Holy Spirit indwelling to Gentiles as well as to Jews. Again, the church is one humanity (Acts 10:9-22).
Peter did slip up later on, giving in to peer pressure, allowing the fear of man to derail him and cause segregation and de-fellowshipping between Jews and Gentiles in Galatia (Galatians 2:11-16; 2:12 and Acts 11:3).
The attitudes of many today are not much different, between Blacks, Whites, Asians, Latinos and more in other countries. People of God, let us be fully convinced by God's Word that such divisions are 100% wrong, don't let the fear of fellow man of similar skin tone cloud and confuse your resolve in God and His direction and will. Don't lead others astray as did Peter, even to the stalwart Barnabas. Let us be 'color-blind'!
Once again, examine yourself, ferret out all prejudices and feelings of being fiercely patriotic to our own ethnic background. STOP saying, "I'm Chinese!" or "I'm Caucasion!" or "I'm Black!" Rather, see yourself as "I'm Christian - a child of God - made in His image". Let's see ourselves as being TOGETHER in one cohesive people of God.
Each person who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, is one in Christ with all other believers. Additionally, confront those in Christ who hold on to their racial prejudices and fear of man even as Paul publically confronted Peter.
I once asked a sister-in-Christ, who was so pro her own ethnic background, if she was that race first or a Christian first, in her mind. She would not verbally answer me, yet that silent response was spoken loudly and clearly. People of God, let's aggressively and radically shed our prejudices and see ourselves as ONE, in Christ. As Scripture says,
"[We] are all sons - [and daughters] of God through faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26-27).
So saying, the attitude of "equal but separate" is unacceptable to God. It is hostility and Jesus suffered, bled and died, sacrificing Himself in order to put it to death along with all other sin.
What are you going to do about it Christin!?
Each believer in Christ is a fellow-citizen with God's people and members of God's houshold (Ephesians 2:19). Let all come in the door and sit around the table of the King equidistant, i.e. close, intermingled in one happily, wholehearted, homogenous assembly of believers.
Some people have tried to justify their racism and prejudice, especially in the slavery department, by using biblical examples. For instance, the sin of Ham and the curse of Canaan (Genesis 9:20-25).
People love to call it "the Curse of Ham" but note above, I did not. Due to bad interpretations and hermeneutics, they overlook the fact that Noah did not curse Ham, rather Ham's son Canaan. Furthermore, I learned from Mark E. Biddle of Bible Odyssey.org in his article "The Curse of Ham", that for a long time now, the Canaanites, as a distinct group, are no longer in the world. Consequently, how could this curse upon Canaan and his descendants still apply?
All the bad theology of this curse upon Black people to be perpetual slaves, is a work of Satan and false teachers. This is something we believers in Jesus Christ must confront and educate those who hold such anti-Christ and God beliefs. They have no place within the body of Christ and cannot be justified one iota.
Similarly, interracial marriages were condemned in the Bible but not becaue of the skin color. God said that due to the rampant idolatry and destestable practices and very unholy behavior of those nations who did not fear God, they wo7uld turn Israelites' hearts away from following, serving God. This spouse would become a snare and trap. This was very much seen in king Solomon's life with his many wives from other nations. It caused him and others to add to israel's guilt in turning asway to server other gods, polluting the hearts and minds. it was terrible wickedness and made them unfaithful to their faithful God (see Deuteronomy 7:1-4; Joshua 23:3-13; Ezra 9:11-12; 10:10-11; Nehemiah 13:23-31).
God did not disapprove of Moses' marriage to a woman of Cush (Numbers 12:1-16). In fact, God reprimanded and punished Aaron and Miriam who spoke against Moses becaue they thought he was wrong to have married her. Moreover, I believe they were jealous of him and so instigated this dissent, questioning why God had put Moses in charge of the israelite exodus. God's action showed that He did not disapprove of this interracial marriage.
If you read matthew chapter 1, as well as the Old Tesatment accounts, you'll discover Tamar and Rahab were both Canaanites, and Ruth was a Moabitess. Each were in Jesus' lineage. These women had had faith in the one true God and had show so by their action, having left their idolatry and evil practices behind.
Another important verse to consider is 2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV, where we are told,
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers..."
With whom? Unbelievers.
It is not the skin color in question here, rather the heart of belief vs unbelief in Jesus Christ and a consistant, holy life in fellowship with him. This is what God is after, to love Him with all our heart, soul mind and strength and to love others as ourself. In this there is redemption and reaching out to include other from every tribe, language, people and nation (Revelation 5:9; 7:9; 154:6-7), within our circle of friends and especially within the body of Christ in whichever church we might attend.
Practical solutions for overcoming our prejudices and racism would be to listen to ourself think and talk. This was mentioned earlier. Do you think you are prejudiced or racist? Ask someone else what they think about you in this aspect? Be more aware and bring every thought captive to Christ. Be transformed by the renewing of your souls by the washing of God's word. Conform to God's view and open your arms to all peoples God brings into our lives.
We are not innocent of racism and bigotry if we only keep them in our hearts and don't express it. They will still unsittingly or even wittingly govern our actions, which often speak louder than words. God's Word tells us,
"All these evils come from inside and defile a person" (Mark 7:20-23).
Repent of and confess all evil thoughts and action of racism and prejudice and receive God's forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus (1 John 1:9).
Racism is definitely not an area noted for accuracy, fairness and rationality. Just listen to news or review statistics. Minority groups in the legal system, even if they are not guilty, get bad raps over and above their lighter skinned peers. I've even had someone point blank tell me that the lighter the skin, the better the treatment and attention one would receive in a certain hospital. The facts and figures are the proof in the pudding.
Having seen so many passages of Scripture throughout this lengthy article, it is obvious that God does NOT approve of any of this unfairness. As Christian, we need to follow His will and way, corral our thoughts and train them to be as His and so honor Him by our actions of accuraacy, fairness and rationality when relating to others of skin-color, whether the same or differnt from our own.
"In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you..." (Matthew 7:12).
"God doesn't show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right" (Acts 10:34-35).
We followers of Jesus Christ are new creations in Christ. Let us not resort to prejudice, discrimination, or enforced segregation of the ethnic backgrounds. Let us put off old ways of thinking that don't mesh with God's views and morality about other of His human creatures. As a new creation we are ONE - in Chrsit and should show no favoritism but accept everyone as ourself no matter which nation or ethnic background or language. Recall that the Lord looks at the heart not the outward appearance. We do well to remember this forever and always. Let us each fear the Lord and do what is right, noble, peaceable, considerate and gentle and do not slander anyone.
This is the mind of Christ so lets inculcate it into our spiritual DNA and do as Jesus would. Be inclusive brethren and 'sistern' not exclusive ones. Be holy and honor God in so doing.
~ERC October 2022~
Based on Study guide, Moral Issues Facing the Church by Rob harbison, Lesson 11 - Racism.
References:
1. Dam the Curse of Ham! How Genesis 9 Got Twisted Into Racist propaganda, by Garrett kell:
2. The Curse of Ham by Mark E. Biddle, Bible Odyssey.org.
3. Dictionary_Oxford Languages
4. Wikipedia
Other links for further reading:
1. Morning Musings - Are You Your Race?
3. Morning Musings - Blended Together
4. Cross Cultural Encounters With Purpose
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