What does the Bible say about discrimination?
Discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of an individual or group based on their actual or perceived membership in a certain group or category. It involves denying rights, benefits, justice, equitable treatment or access to facilities available to others, based on attributes like race, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Discrimination is an age-old societal ill that Christianity has struggled with throughout its history. The Bible contains principles and teachings that challenge discrimination, though some of its texts have also been used to justify prejudice. Examining key passages can help us understand the Bible’s perspective on discrimination.
Old Testament Teachings
Several Old Testament texts promote impartiality and warn against mistreating foreigners or disadvantaged groups:
“You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 22:21)
“You shall not pervert justice due an alien or an orphan, nor take a widow’s garment in pledge.” (Deuteronomy 24:17)
The prophets often condemned corruption and injustice by the powerful against the weak:
“Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;
cease to do evil,
learn to do good;
seek justice,
correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow’s cause.” (Isaiah 1:16-17)
Israelite laws sought to protect vulnerable groups from extreme poverty, permanent alienation or enslavement:
“If your brother becomes poor beside you and sells himself to you, you shall not make him serve as a slave.” (Leviticus 25:39)
Yet patriarchy, slavery and ethnic prejudice were facts of life in ancient societies like Israel. Some laws institutionalized inequalities based on gender, social status and nationality.
New Testament Teachings
In the Gospels, Jesus departed from prevailing Jewish customs by ministering to women, children, Samaritans, Gentiles, tax collectors, prostitutes, the sick and disabled. His message of salvation extended to all:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Jesus taught that one’s spiritual status was not determined by birth or social standing but by faith and righteousness:
“In truth I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:31)
When James and John wanted to destroy a Samaritan village that rejected them, Jesus rebuked them, saying “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” (Luke 9:55)
Jesus highlighted love of neighbor as second only to loving God, defining neighbor broadly in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
The early church struggled with integrating Jews and Gentiles. Peter was initially reluctant to associate with Gentiles, until God gave him a vision affirming that no person was unholy or unclean (Acts 10). Paul taught that faith in Christ erased old social divisions:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Implications for Today
While the Bible lacks categorical prohibitions against every possible form of discrimination, it provides principles for people of faith to evaluate prejudicial beliefs and actions:
1. Human dignity and equality before God. All people are created in God’s image and thus have inherent dignity (Genesis 1:27). Christ died for everyone, affording all the opportunity to be children of God through faith (Galatians 3:26-28). Believers should regard no person as intrinsically inferior.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself. Loving others as we want to be loved helps overcome prejudices rooted in fear or hate (Matthew 22:39, 1 John 4:18). Active, self-sacrificing love crosses manmade barriers.
3. Justice and compassion for the vulnerable. Followers of Christ must avoid perverting justice due the poor and weak (Deuteronomy 24:17). Special concern should be shown to groups historically denied equal treatment.
4. Judge by character, not appearances. Unlike man, God does not judge by external factors but by the heart and deeds (1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 23:27). Avoiding snap judgments can help overcome implicit biases.
5. Accept those whom God accepts. If God embraces people of all nations, genders and backgrounds without favoritism, so must the church (Acts 10:34-35, Galatians 2:11-16). Exclusion must yield to grace.
6. Be holy as God is holy. Since God hates wickedness but loves people impartially, believers should uphold ethical integrity while being respectful and merciful toward all (Proverbs 11:1, Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:48).
7. Do unto others as you want them to do unto you. This Golden Rule discourages mistreating others in ways one would not want to be mistreated (Matthew 7:12). It challenges double standards.
Conclusion
Discrimination conflicts with biblical values like human dignity, justice, compassion and humility. The Bible does not give explicit instructions about every discriminatory practice. But its teachings can guide believers in overcoming personal prejudices and standing against injustice in society. With wisdom and grace, Christians can become agents of reconciliation in divided communities. Though eradicating discrimination is an ongoing challenge, Scripture calls followers of Christ to keep striving to break down barriers that conflict with biblical ideals of equality, justice and love.