Christianity and Racism

         Can a person claim to be Christian and be a racist? In order to answer this question we need to define both terms. A Christian is one who has made a commitment to Christ (according to biblical conditions) and is faithful in following His commandments in life. A person who neither knows the biblical teachings of Christianity nor follows them in their life is not a Christian. Unfortunately, Christianity is defined so loosely in our society that one who has never made a commitment to Christ, does not know or less follow biblical teachings, or does not attend church can call themselves a Christian. This is not biblical and such a person is not defined as a Christian here.

         A racist is one who hates another individual simply because of their color, nationality, or race. A racist also believes that one race is superior to other races. Sadly our society does a poor job defining racism. Some of this is due to political correctness. For example, disagreeing with President Obama or Senator Rubio is not racism. However, believing that a black man or a Hispanic man should not hold a position of power solo based on their color is racist and it is wrong.

         Can one who is committed to following the principles of Christianity in their lives be a racist and believe they are in good standing with Christ? The short answer is no. Here are some biblical reasons why a Christian cannot be a racist.

1. Christ probably did not look like you. This statement is most likely true for 99% of people that will read this. Paintings, movies, and television shows have done us a disservice. Most depict Jesus as looking like us, for example a white Western male. Jesus was born in the Middle East. Jesus would have looked like a Middle Eastern male. Assuming that a Middle Eastern male looks the same or similar to a Middle Eastern male today, Jesus would not have looked like us. Neither would the apostles for that matter. Sadly, this would mean that in some circles, neither Jesus nor the Apostles would have been welcomed to preach in the Church. If you are racist in your heart, you would have missed the Messiah when He walked the earth.

2. We all come from one man. Acts 17:²⁶ And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place (ESV). The Apostle Paul is stating a biblical truth. All races have come from one man and one woman, Adam and Eve. Races developed as a result of sin and began at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). However, that race you may not like is actually your brother or sister. We all come from one ancestor. You came from the same place as the white, black, brown, etc. man in this world.

3. We are commanded to love all people. Jesus made it clear; love all people. Matthew 5:⁴⁴ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (ESV). Even if you hate another person, you are commanded to show them love in your life. Christians are not to promote hate but love. This includes people of all races, color, and nationality.

4. We are called to preach to all nations. Jesus did not want the gospel to only go to one group or nation but He wanted all people to know the truth of the Gospel. Mark 16:¹⁵ And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (ESV). Jesus said that if we love Him we will obey His commands. He commands us to preach to every race, nation, and person of color.

5. There is only one church. Unfortunately, in America we have "white churches", "black churches", "Hispanic churches", etc. This is sad. Some have joked that the church worship service is the most segregated hour in America. I find this sad. There is only one church. Ephesians 4:⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (ESV). It is time for the church to tear down the walls that divide the church and be the one group that Christ always desired.

6. God looks at the heart and not the body. God does not play favoritism in this world. When it comes to our salvation, God does not look at things such as color, language, sex, or nationality. He looks at the heart. The church should do the same.

7. God already settled this issue. The early church struggled with the differences between Jew and Gentiles. Acts 15 describes this struggle. God led the Apostles to the conclusion that He accepted the Jews and the Gentiles equally and so should the church. This is not even an issue, it has been settled by God. It is not a race that saves us but the blood of Jesus Christ.

8. Misunderstanding the Old Testament. Some will point to the Old Testament and say that God did not permit the Jews to marry other races. This proves that God does not want us to have intermarriage relationships. This is false for a few reasons. The Old Testament Law was written to prepare the Jews for the coming Messiah. He has come and the Law has been fulfilled. Second, God is clear on why He did not want the Jews marrying other races: idolatry. The other nations followed false gods and practiced sinful behavior. God wanted to prevent the Jews from being influenced by that behavior. Deuteronomy 7:³ Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, ⁴ for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the Lord’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.

9. Heaven will have people from all nations. If you do not like being with people of different color, you will be miserable in heaven IF you make it. Revelation 7:⁹ After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. We will be with people of all nations for all eternity. You had better be ready to be with them now.

         Racism is an unbiblical position and it is a sin. No racist behavior should be found in the Lord's church. You cannot be a Christian and be racist against another group of people.

Why Am I A Christian?

         I was raised in a Christian home. Going to church on Sunday is as natural to me as any other activity in my life. Some would say that the only reason I am a Christian is because I was raised to be a Christian. It is true that my parents are a huge factor in my spiritual life. I do not know if I would be a Christian today without them. However, I know other people who were raised in a Christian home, attended church, and are no longer an active Christian. I became a Christian in 1987 when I was baptized into the Lord. I remained a Christian because of what I have become convinced of through my growth as a Christian, my research, and my personal study. Here are the reasons why I am still a Christian.

1. A complicated world must have a great Creator. I am amazed at some of the inventions of man that have changed our lives. The automobile, cell phones, computers, and televisions are amazing creations. When I see them I am amazed that someone could create such inventions. I am more amazed at this world. This is a complicated creation. If it were not in the right spot, then life would not be possible. If I told you my house, which has complicated electricity and plumbing, was an accident and was not the result of design, you would laugh in my face. Creation is evidence for a Creator. To say that this world and universe is an accident is an insult to the Creator and common sense.

2. Our current existence proves the Creator is still active. My car is a complicated creation. I quickly learned that my car only continues to work if someone maintains it. Deism taught that God created the world then left it alone. This is not possible. Created objects require maintenance or it ceases to work. Even if the world were an accident the question must be asked, how does it continue to work as it is supposed to? While some will cry natural law, how does natural law continue to work correctly without assistance? For some, natural law is their god.

3. I have studied about the Word of God. Many are making false accusations about the Bible. Most people hear the accusations, accept them as fact, and do little or no research to validate the claim. Even worse is the fact that the church has spent little energy to teach people the truth about the Word of God. As a result of my studies in college and in preparation for the pulpit, I have researched the evidence. Though I do not have time in this article to address all the accusations (I do discuss them in my Bible Basics podcasts found at www.nhccfalmouth.com), I have found that these accusations are unfounded. Actually, my faith increased when I examined archaeological discoveries, the accuracy of the ancient manuscripts, the amazing ability of the Bible to survive thousands of years of attack, and the influence the Bible has on this world. When I have studied about the Word of God, I discovered the fact that the book we call the Bible is different than any other book on the earth.

4. I have studied the Word of God. I have spent nearly 20 years studying the Word of God for personal devotion, preparation for sermons and lessons, and for my college studies. I studied the Word of God for nearly 18 years at my home and church growing up. What have I found in nearly 18 years of study: the principles and teachings of the Word of God are true. Whether we are talking about the morals, ethics, or personal living teachings of the Bible, when I put them into practice I found that they were true. When I did not put them into practice, I regretted my choices. There is wisdom and knowledge in the Word of God if we listen to it.

5. My personal prayer life. I must admit; I have had personal moments of weakness in my life. However, God sometimes works through our weakness. When I have submitted to Him in prayer, I have seen Him move in both my life and in the lives of people around me. There are things that have happened in my life that I could not explain except through prayer and this has strengthened my life.

6. The impact of the church. Yes I know that the church has hypocrites in it. Yes, I also know that the church has done some things that I am ashamed of. Yes, churches and people in the church have personally hurt me. However, I have also seen incredible love in the church. I have seen incredible sacrifice. I have seen people minister to others in a way that I do not see in the world. The testimony of the ministry of the church has increased my faith that something or someone must be motivating people to love in a way that no other group on the face of the earth loves. Even with all of its flaws, there is no group on earth that loves the way the church does.

7. It is a battle of worldviews. I used to falsely believe that the argument between believers and nonbelievers was one of evidence. In other words, the one who collected the most evidence is the one who wins the argument. While examining the evidence helps us see the truth, there is more to the discussion than the amount of evidence. Our worldview impacts the way we examine the evidence. The truth is that Christianity is in conflict with many of the popular worldviews of the day (humanism, postmodernism, relativism, etc.). When you understand this, you can begin to study what these popular worldview teaches as well as the results of those worldviews. These worldviews are not new; they have a history. Examine the teachings and the history and you will see why the Christian worldview is superior. I am a Christian because I see the truth of its teaching.

8. I understand that I am not good enough to save myself. Most people would not think that a minister would say that he is not good enough to go to heaven. However, once you study the Word of God you know the truth. One sin is all it takes to be sentenced to hell. I have committed more sin than that. Most people would consider themselves to be a good person if they only sinned once a week. However, if I sinned once a week for 50 years then I have 2,600 violations against God's moral and righteous law. If I appear before one of our judges with 2,600 violations of the law, I would expect to see the inside of a prison cell. No amount of good deeds would cover over 2,600 violations of the law.  I have to have those violations forgiven. The Christian faith is unique in that it has a sin bearer who pays the price of my mistakes. Other world religions have a "save yourself" teaching, Christianity teaches that only Christ can save you. I know I cannot save myself so I turn to the one religion that has the only cure.

         These are just a few of the reasons that I am a Christian today. Each individual has to make that decision for himself or herself; no one else can make that decision for you. What will you choose?