The Bible speaks a great deal about cultural diversity and how people of different backgrounds and ethnicities should relate to one another. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical principles regarding multiculturalism:
1. All people are created equal before God
The Bible teaches that every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and that God does not show favoritism based on external factors like ethnicity or culture (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11). God values all people equally, regardless of race, nationality, social status, or gender.
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)
2. Unity in diversity is possible through Christ
The New Testament church brought together Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free people, men and women. The dividing wall of hostility was broken down through Jesus’ death on the cross (Ephesians 2:14). When people come to faith in Christ, they become part of a new community where worldly barriers and distinctions lose their significance.
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11)
3. Christians should seek justice and advocate for the oppressed
God cares deeply for vulnerable groups who are oppressed or marginalized. Throughout the Old Testament, God commands His people to defend the cause of the fatherless, the widow, the immigrant and the poor (Isaiah 1:17; Zechariah 7:9-10). Jesus showed special compassion to those rejected by society like lepers, women and tax collectors. The Bible condemns oppression rooted in favoritism or prejudice (James 2:1-13).
Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. (Isaiah 1:17)
4. Hospitality and care for foreigners is commanded
God’s people are repeatedly commanded to show kindness, protection and hospitality to foreigners living among them (Exodus 22:21, Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:19). Israel’s laws ensured that foreigners received justice and provision for their needs. The New Testament also emphasizes showing hospitality to strangers (Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2).
You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself… I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 19:34)
5. Ethnic diversity will be present in the eternal kingdom
The book of Revelation depicts people from every tribe, language, people and nation worshiping God together (Revelation 5:9, 7:9). Our eternal destiny in Christ is multicultural. The divisions and hostility between people groups in this age will be entirely healed in the age to come under Christ’s reign.
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. (Revelation 7:9)
6. Christians should seek to cultivate harmony and understanding
The Bible encourages believers to live at peace with others (Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14). When conflict arises along cultural, ethnic or racial lines, Christians should pursue reconciliation and unity while standing for truth. We can celebrate our differences while affirming our common dignity and value before God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)
7. Pride in one’s own culture should be avoided
While cultural practices may be neutral or even good in themselves, all cultures are tainted by human sinfulness. No ethnicity or nation has grounds for claiming superiority (Acts 17:26). Believers should avoid ethnic pride and be humble, remembering that any good aspects of culture are ultimately God’s gifts.
For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? (1 Corinthians 4:7)
8. Christians must submit to governing authorities
The Bible instructs believers to obey and honor civil authorities, even if we may disagree with some of their policies (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17). However, if governing powers require something directly contrary to God’s moral law, then we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. (1 Peter 2:13-14)
9. Unity must be grounded in truth
While cultural diversity is a fact of life, true unity can only be built on the common foundation of God’s revealed truth. Unity without truth is superficial. Jesus prayed that His followers would be united in God’s truth, not just for the sake of unity itself (John 17:17-21). Unity must co-exist with strong convictions.
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
10. Christians should balance openness with wisdom
Believers should be open to learning from and appreciating other cultures. However, the Bible also warns about uncritically absorbing beliefs or values that conflict with God’s truth (Colossians 2:8). Christians should seek cultural understanding while exercising wisdom, discernment and moderation.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ… that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 1:27-28)
In summary, the Bible provides foundational principles for constructively engaging a diverse, multicultural world. Key themes include the equal dignity of all people before God, the breaking down of divisions through Christ, and the need to show hospitality and pursue justice on behalf of the vulnerable and oppressed. As believers represent Christ in a complex world, they must hold truth and unity, conviction and compassion, in careful balance.