Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own ethnic group or culture is superior to others. This can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and conflict between groups. The Bible has much to say about how we should view and treat people from different cultures and backgrounds.
We are all created in God’s image
The Bible teaches that all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This affirms the fundamental equality and dignity of all people regardless of ethnicity, culture, or race. Since we all bear God’s image, we should treat others with the honor, love, and respect they deserve as God’s image-bearers.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
God does not show partiality or favoritism
The Bible condemns partiality, meaning God does not show favoritism between people based on external factors. He cares just as much for people of all nations and cultures.
“For God shows no partiality.” (Romans 2:11)
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.” (Deuteronomy 10:17)
Since God does not show partiality between people of different backgrounds, neither should we. Our treatment of others must be based on their character and actions, not ethnic or cultural differences.
Do not judge according to outward appearance
The Bible warns against making judgements about people simply based on outward factors like ethnicity or cultural practices. True judgement requires discernment of the heart and character.
“Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature .??.??. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)
We should learn to see past surface-level differences to understand the unique value each person brings. Loving others requires looking deeper.
Love your neighbor as yourself
Jesus taught that one of the two greatest commandments is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates that our “neighbor” includes those from other nationalities who we might normally despise (Luke 10:25-37).
If we are to love others as we love ourselves, we cannot harbor feelings of superiority or ethnic pride. We must have just as much care and compassion for those from other cultures.
Welcome strangers and foreigners
God’s people are repeatedly commanded in Scripture to welcome, love, and care for foreigners and strangers in their land. Israel was reminded they had once been mistreated foreigners in Egypt (Exodus 22:21, 23:9).
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:34)
This demonstrates that people should be valued for their common humanity rather than rejected for their “foreignness.” We must show hospitality and compassion to those from different backgrounds than our own.
The Kingdom of God includes every nation
The Bible envisions God’s Kingdom including people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Jesus commissioned his followers to make disciples of “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The vision of heavenly worshippers in Revelation 5:9 includes “every tribe and language and people and nation.”
God’s ultimate purpose is to redeem people “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Revelation 7:9). The Church should embrace diversity as part of God’s design.
All cultures reflect God’s glory
The Psalms proclaim that the glory of God is revealed in the heavens and throughout the earth (Psalm 19:1-4). As image-bearers of God, human cultures can dynamically reflect divine beauty, goodness, and truth.
While cultures are tainted by sin, they still contain elements that honor God. We should learn to appreciate the virtues of other cultures while being discerning of their vices.
Pride leads to destruction
The Bible consistently condemns pride and arrogance. Feelings of racial superiority or ethnic entitlement are arrogant before God. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Pride also leads to strife and interpersonal conflict that destroys community. Humility and mutual submission are necessary to live in harmony (Ephesians 5:21, Philippians 2:3-4).
Beware of making cultural practices into absolutes
The New Testament church struggled with those who wanted to impose Jewish cultural practices like circumcision and food laws on Gentile believers. The apostles affirmed these cultural matters were not moral absolutes (Acts 15:1-29).
We must ensure we distinguish between cultural preferences and God’s true ethical commands. Flexibility and wisdom are required when interacting with other cultures.
Be quick to listen, slow to judge
James 1:19 reminds us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak.” We should avoid rushing to judge those from other cultures. It is best to listen, ask questions, and seek to understand them on their own terms.
We all have cultural blind spots. Cross-cultural dialogue allows us to mature in discernment and perspective-taking. Suspending judgement creates space for learning.
Sympathize with outsiders
As Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” We never know when we might encounter a “heavenly angel” in the guise of a cultural stranger. Their perspective may be just what we need to gain greater understanding.
We are called to open our hearts to understand the trials faced by those marginalized for their “differentness” in society. Only by walking in their shoes can we truly empathize.
Christians model cultural sensitivity and inclusion
Throughout the New Testament, we find culturally-sensitive examples of adapting to connect with diverse audiences:
- Paul shaped his presentations of the Gospel based on his listeners (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
- Peter realized not to call unclean what God made clean after his vision to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 10).
- The Jerusalem Council decided Gentile believers did not need to conform fully to Jewish customs (Acts 15).
- Paul corrected Peter when he hypocritically withdrew from table fellowship with Gentiles (Galatians 2:11-14).
The Church must continue this legacy of culturally-inclusive ministry to all peoples in ways that honor, yet transform, their local cultures.
Christ unites people of all cultures
The reconciling work of Christ breaks down barriers and hostilities between people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. His peace enables unity in diversity within the Church.
“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)
As this passage shows, shared identity in Christ transcends human distinctions. The Church should model the social reality of Christ’s reconciliation to the world.
Conclusion
The Bible clearly condemns feelings of racial and ethnic superiority as contrary to God’s impartiality and the innate dignity of all people made in His image. While cultural diversity is affirmed, believers must be discerning to avoid cultural relativism or syncretism. As people united in Christ, the Church should take the lead in welcoming the contributions of all cultures in ways that honor God’s truth. By God’s grace, ethnocentrism can be overcome by Christocentric humility and love.