The concept of “white privilege” has become a contentious topic in recent years. From a biblical perspective, how should Christians understand issues of racial privilege and disadvantage?
At the outset, it is important to state clearly that the Bible condemns prejudice and injustice based on race or ethnicity. Scripture teaches that all people are made in God’s image and have equal dignity and worth (Genesis 1:27). Followers of Jesus are called to love their neighbor as themselves (Matthew 22:39), regardless of ethnic differences.
However, the Bible does not specifically use the term “white privilege.” This is a modern sociological concept referring to the systemic advantages and preferential treatment afforded to white people in many societies. The concept highlights ingrained cultural biases and unearned benefits that favor white individuals over people of color.
From a biblical vantage point, we can glean several relevant principles:
1. Humanity’s Common Origin and Equality Before God
The Bible teaches that all humans descend from common ancestors – Adam and Eve (Genesis 1-3). Scripture states, “From one man [God] made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth” (Acts 17:26). This shared ancestry underscores the theological unity and fundamental equality of all people before God.
The apostle Paul proclaimed this truth to the ethnically diverse city of Athens: “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:26-27).
Our common origin and spiritual equality should motivate Christians to evaluate ethnic and social dynamics through a biblical lens rather than a worldly one (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11).
2. Impartiality and Justice for All
Followers of Christ must exemplify God’s character of perfect justice and impartiality. “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes” (Deuteronomy 10:17).
Jesus explained that part of His mission was “to proclaim good news to the poor” and “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed” (Luke 4:18). As Christ’s representatives, Christians are called to advocate for the disadvantaged and to treat people equitably, regardless of race or social standing.
3. Awareness of Social Realities
The Bible exhibits awareness of social inequalities and oppression. Exodus recounts the Hebrew people’s sufferings under Egyptian bondage and oppression. The eighth century BC prophets such as Amos and Isaiah spoke out strongly against the injustices committed by the upper classes against the poor and vulnerable (Amos 2:6-7; Isaiah 1:17).
Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan illustrated how ethnic discrimination could influence social attitudes (Luke 10:25-37). The book of James condemns favoritism towards the rich at the expense of the poor in the church context (James 2:1-9). Being conscious of social disadvantages faced by particular groups is a key starting point for pursuing justice.
4. Followers of Jesus Must Renounce Pride and Self-Righteousness
Seeking to address social inequalities in a godly manner requires great humility and renunciation of pride. Christians must examine their own hearts for racism and unconscious biases. They must reject self-righteouscomparison and realize they too stand in need of God’s mercy (Matthew 7:1-5).
Jesus emphasized that a key aspect of living justly is showing mercy to others, just as God has shown mercy to us (Matthew 5:7, 18:21-35). The apostle Paul exhorted Christians to “in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
5. Ultimate Reconciliation in Christ
The Bible envisions a multi-ethnic community unified in Christ. Jesus’ atoning death on the cross has “destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” between peoples (Ephesians 2:14). The book of Revelation portrays people from every tribe and language gathered together to worship God in his eternal kingdom (Revelation 7:9).
As Christians, we look forward to the day when ethnic discord and privilege will be no more. In Christ, we are being reconciled as one new humanity (Ephesians 2:15). This hope inspires us to work towards social justice while pointing people towards salvation in Jesus.
6. Suffering Unjustly with Grace
Following Jesus means willingness to suffer injustice as he did. The apostle Peter wrote, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats” (1 Peter 2:21-23).
While advocating for justice, Christians must remember Jesus’ example of non-retaliation when persecuted. We are called to show grace and bless those who mistreat us (Luke 6:27-28). However, endurance of injustice should not preclude appropriate efforts to rectify social wrongs.
7. Cultivating Personal Relationships
Social reconciliation requires cultivation of personal relationships across ethnic boundaries. The apostle Paul wrote, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). As believers unite around Christ, walls of separation are broken down.
Churches should strive to reflect the diversity of their local communities. Individual Christians must reach out in love to people of other ethnic backgrounds. Racial integration and mutual understanding at a personal level is key to tearing down social barriers.
8. Community Development and Material Assistance
Following Old Testament moral imperatives to care for the poor and oppressed, the New Testament church saw charity and community development as crucial ways of living out the gospel. The Antioch church, for example, enthusiastically collected offerings to help the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30). Paul’s gentile churches also raised funds to help the poor in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-28; 2 Corinthians 8-9).
Such efforts to assist disadvantaged communities materially and financially should be seen as an important way the church can help rectify unequal access to resources and opportunity today.
9. Pursuit of Justice Must Be Balanced with Mercy and Wisdom
As Christians confront complex issues like racial privilege, we must seek biblical balance. Zeal for social justice must be tempered by Christlike mercy, humility, and compassion towards all. We must reject ungodly hostility and remain measured in speech (1 Peter 3:8-9). Wise consideration of how to effect meaningful, sustainable change is needed.
Lasting social transformation happens through changing hearts and minds. So we must faithfully communicate biblical truth while relying on spiritual weapons of prayer and love (2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Ephesians 6:12). Balanced application of justice and mercy is key.
10. Ultimate and Eternal Priorities
As much as possible, Christians should seek the good of their societies (Jeremiah 29:7). However, our ultimate citizenship and loyalty is to God’s eternal kingdom. The apostle Paul wrote, “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
This world is not our final home. The fight against temporal social injustice must not eclipse our higher calling to be ambassadors for eternal reconciliation with God through faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Evangelism and discipleship must remain central.
In conclusion, the Bible provides foundational principles for assessing privilege and injustice. Central is our equality before God and call to impartial, sacrificial love for others. This should manifest in social advocacy, community service, personal relationships across divides, grace under injustice, and pursuit of justice balanced with spiritual priorities. Christians have biblical reasons to oppose racism and seek social justice while pointing people to salvation in Jesus Christ.