Racism in Biblical and Theological Perspective- A General Overview

For the purposes of this discussion on racism within a theological framework, I will define the term racism as the "belief in the inherent intellectual, moral, and spiritual superiority" of a race or ethnic group. This belief and attitude carries with it the notion that all other racial and ethnic groups are innately inferior, and therefore, should be relegated to second-class status in all human relations.

Racism goes against the grain of biblical theology. The Scriptures are very clear in indicating that all humankind is a direct creation by God.  To affirm that one race or ethnic group is superior to the other would be tantamount to saying that God didn't know what He/She was doing at the time of creation.  It would also be another indication that God has preferences for ethnic and racial groups. The hymn "Jesus love the little children, all the children of the world," while carrying a slight note of paternalism, points to the thrust of the biblical message of the equality of all.  In a very general sense, we are all sisters and brothers by virtue of being created by God.  Unless we believe in a "multiple" creation by God at the beginning, we all stem from one set of parents. That would also make us all sisters and brothers.

While the Scriptures do speak about the notion of "God's chosen people (Israel and the Church)," and while there is mention of believers as a "peculiar people," the biblical notion of being "chosen" has been distorted, misunderstood, twisted, and warped. The biblical concept of being "chosen" has absolutely nothing to do with God having preference for an ethnic or racial group per se, but rather with God having "chosen" certain people to carry out the liberating mission of God in the world.  In subsequent essays, I will be talking about God's "preferential option for the poor and oppressed of the world," but this has absolutely nothing to do with God having "favorites," so to speak.  This series of essays rests on the foundation that no ethnic or racial group is inferior or superior to others.  Full equality is assumed throughout these essays. Please feel free to comment and share your opinion and perspective.

In the Name of the Creator, and of the Liberator, and of the Sustainer.

Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmona