1. The Biblical View of Race and Racism
God has created all humans in his image. Therefore, all people, no matter their race, are equal in their dignity. Biblically, it can be argued that different races, nations, and cultures begin as a curse at the Tower of Babel. However, the Bible also celebrates diversity because God promises to bless the nations, the Church is called to evangelize and disciple the nations, and all ethnicities and nations are represented in Heaven. As a result, the Bible celebrates all races, nations, and cultures. Further, the future New Heavens and New Earth God will include a diversity of races that are unified in their worship of God. God’s ideal is both a diversity of different races as well as unity around Jesus.
God loves all humans the same, no matter their race. As a result, racism is a sin. If someone loves less and thus treats differently another person or race in any way due to their race then they are committing the sin of racism.
The Church has four main responsibilities regarding race and racism. First, we should celebrate both diversity and unity as a gospel ministry. Second, we should strive to reach all races with the gospel. Third, we should prophetically rebuke the sin of racism. Fourth, we should minister the gospel to those suffering with pain, fear, and anger as a result of the sin of racism. The church should “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15)