Introduction
Christianity is one of the oldest and most widespread faiths in the world. Throughout the centuries, it has shaped the lives and culture of millions of people from all walks of life, including those from racial and ethnic backgrounds. Many believe that Christianity has been an integral part of anti-racism movements throughout history and has actively worked against all forms of prejudice, discrimination, and bigotry throughout its years. But is Christianity really ‘anti-racist’? Or is it possible that aspects of Christianity, in its interpretation and implementation, may be complicit in perpetuating racism?
History of Racism and Christianity
Racism has been intertwined with Christianity since its inception. One of the most profound examples of Christian racism can be seen in the history of enslavement and racial segregation in the United States. Historian Willie Jennings has traced the origins of African American subjugation to the subjugation of African Christians in the early Christian church. For example, early post-Constantinian Christian writers viewed African and other non-European peoples as “barbarians” and “heathens” and conceived of missionary efforts as a way of tackling both racial and spiritual Otherness.
Furthermore, the history of Christian missionization and colonialism in Africa, Asia, and the Americas has been marred by atrocities committed in the name of converting and civilizing “heathens” and non-Christians to the “true” faith. In particular, the practice of Christian “othering” of non-Europeans in the colonial context has been well-documented. Consequently, many non-Western and non-European cultures continue to experience marginalization and oppression, attitudes and practices rooted in the Christian missionizing of their ancestors.
Racism in Modern Christianity
In modern times, many churches, denominations and movements within Christianity perpetrate racism, prejudice and intolerance. In the United States, many Evangelical Protestant groups have embraced a deeply conservative interpretation of Christianity that plays into a narrative of “race realism” and exclusion. This interpretation of Christianity has been linked to support for white nationalist and alt-right ideologies.
Alongside this, there is a disturbing persistence of unconscious racism in both majority white churches and in Black and Latino churches. This can manifest in the form of racist jokes, the use of stereotypes to describe certain racial or national groups, or even discriminatory employment practices.
In addition to this, the role of mainstream Protestant denominations in the exclusionary franchise laws of the 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as their complicity in the governments’ Native American removal and assimilation policies, remain largely unexamined to this day.
Examining Christianity and Racism
Examining the intersection between Christianity and racism is a Herculean task, one that cannot be done justice in this article. Instead, we encourage you to reflect on your own relationship to the faith, question the sources of your knowledge, and consider which aspects of Christianity you may be unwittingly perpetuating in your own life.
At its best, Christianity has been a powerful force for equality, justice and inclusion, transcending racial boundaries and providing both liberation and protection for many members of society. In response to the rising tide of racist political rhetoric, it is essential that Christians challenge racism in their communities and work to create a more equitable, compassionate and safe world for all people.
Biblical Teaching
When examining racism and Christianity, it is important to consider what the Bible says about racial identities and human relationships. Across the testaments, God’s call to love all of creation is often seen as a universal command regardless of race. All human beings are described as having equal worth in God’s sight. The Bible teaches that every person is made in the image of God and is therefore valuable, regardless of their race, ethnicity or culture.
The New Testament also speaks of unity in Christ, which is often interpreted to mean that all barriers between persons of differing backgrounds and ethnicities have been broken down through the sacrificial death of Jesus. This is emphasized in passages such as Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.
The Role of Christianity in Anti-racism Movements
Throughout its history, Christianity has been at the forefront of many anti-racism movements. For example, in the United States, the civil rights movements were largely a product of Christian activism, propelled by the Christian teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and other faith leaders. From the anti-slavery efforts of 19th-century Abolitionists to the civil rights campaigns of the 20th century, Christians have been a vital force in the struggle for racial justice and equality.
More recently, countless Christian organizations have committed themselves to fighting racism in the United States and around the world. They work to combat hate speech, economic and educational inequality, and voter suppression. In response to the global refugee crisis, many churches have sought to create sanctuaries and safe havens for vulnerable individuals and families fleeing violence and persecution.
Confronting Racism Within the Church
In order to truly address racism within Christianity, churches must confront the systemic racism embedded in church structures, institutional practices, and everyday practices. This requires churches to reflect on and wrestle with their own complicity in oppressive systems and to carefully examine the ways in which they may be unintentionally perpetuating racism and white supremacy. Furthermore, churches must take an honest look at the language they use when discussing race and actively work to create an inclusive and affirming space for people of all backgrounds.
Churches must also strive to educate themselves, their congregations, and the wider community about racism and its impacts. This includes engaging in difficult conversations about systemic racism and white privilege, as well as exploring the ways in which white Christianity has both benefitted from and perpetuated racism throughout history. It also means making reparations for past injustices and actively working to create a more just and equitable society.
Reimagining Christianity
Lastly, in order to adequately address racism within Christianity, we must look to reimagine the way we approach and practice the faith. This includes rethinking traditional interpretations of the Bible and Scripture and challenging the assumption that Christianity has a “monopoly” over the truth. It means recognizing the beauty and the power of other religious traditions and working to create bridges of understanding between different faiths and backgrounds.
Ultimately, this process of reevaluation and reimagination can lead to a more tolerant and inclusive Christianity, one that recognizes and affirms the inherent worth and dignity of all people regardless of race or ethnicity.
Conclusions
The issue of racism in Christianity is a complex and multifaceted one, which cannot be adequately explored in this article. However, it is clear that racism and sexism remain present in many Christian denominations and churches, and that much work remains to be done to create an equitable and just society for all. Only by actively challenging racism within our personal lives and within our churches can we begin to build a faith that fully respects and celebrates the inherent dignity of all humankind.
