An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom by Robertson McQuilkin

Author:Robertson McQuilkin [McQuilkin, Robertson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Published: 2014-04-28T16:00:00+00:00

Race and Racism

Racism technically refers to the idea that certain nonracial characteristics, especially cultural patterns, are the result of race. An example would be to generalize from the behavior of some people of a given race, assigning that kind of behavior to all belonging to the same race. The result is often hatred, intolerance or unjust discrimination. This attitude is often expressed more freely and forcefully by the majority race in a given community; thus, the label “racist” or “ethnocentric” is often assigned to those who consider their own race superior and oppress others. But clearly, an oppressed minority can just as readily engage in racist attitudes and action; “reverse discrimination” and abdicating personal responsibility by hiding behind a certain “victim” status is racist. No people are immune to the virus of racism. Contrary to Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to judge people based on “the content of their character,” many black leaders perpetuate what King fought against—namely, judging people by the color of their skin.3 Of course, the same kind of sinful attitudes and behavior can be based on differences of culture, language, tribe, socially defined class or caste, as well as on race.

Corporate responsibility. Unjust and unloving behavior can become characteristic of a group and become corporate or even institutionalized injustice or oppression. A legal system or even a religion may create discrimination against a class of people. For example, we see discrimination against the Chinese in Malaysia; we see it against Dalits (“untouchables”—those without a caste) in India, who are ostracized by the caste-creating religion of Hinduism itself. In a former era, racism was exemplified in the apartheid of South Africa and the “separate but equal” Jim Crow laws in the US South. That said, in certain countries laws may officially oppose discrimination, but the society itself may engage in unjust, unmerciful, prejudicial practices.

A biblical view of race and discrimination. Class discrimination that works to the harm of some in a society is virtually a universal phenomenon. For Christians to think themselves superior is sin (Phil 2:1-8). To base such thoughts or feelings on class distinction is both sinful and foolish (Jas 2:1-9). After all, what do we have that we did not receive (1 Cor 4:7)? Racial discrimination is widespread but not so universal as class discrimination. The Old Testament exhorts national Israel to be distinctive among the surrounding “Gentile” nations, but it does not highlight the issue of “race”—a distinction much more prevalent in our day and one based on physical characteristics.

Rahab the Canaanite is portrayed as a true Israelite who acknowledges the one true God, whereas Achan, an ethnic Israelite, acts like a foreigner (Josh 2; 6–7). Uriah was a Hittite, but he is highlighted for his noble character and as one of David’s mighty men (1 Chron 11:41). In the New Testament, Jesus praises the “mixed-breed” Samaritan for showing love to his “enemy” neighbor (Lk 10). In Colossians 3:11—an expansion of Galatians 3:28—Paul speaks not only of race, but of the entire social-cultural-racial sphere.

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