All people, no matter what race, share a common origin in Adam. The book of Acts tells us that all people come from the same source. To take it a step further, when we look at the creation of mankind, we also learn that the triune Godhead created us in His image. In theology, we call this imago Dei—referring to the concept that humans are created in God’s image. An image is a mirror or a reflection. This also means that everybody, regardless of their race or ethnicity, has intrinsic value and worth. Dignity is innate. All humans are born with esteem because they are created in the image of God.

An image is a mirror or a reflection.

Therefore, any form of racism, elitism, discrimination, or oppression is not only a social issue, but it’s a sin issue at its core. By treating a fellow image-bearer inferior because they are of a different race is sin. And if we are going to achieve unity, the first thing we must do is speak honestly. That is, we must call any form of racism, elitism, discrimination, or oppression exactly what it is—sin. God can only begin the healing and unifying process when sin is addressed. Let’s begin to treat each other as image-bearers—people made in the image of God almighty.

Watch This Week’s Video:  The Church and the Racial Divide

Discussion Questions

In the video, Dan Darling pointed out that in Genesis 2:7 God, “breathed the breath of life” into the first human. This set humans apart from all other created things. This means all people equally bear God’s image and are different from all of creation, simply because we are human.

1. What does the image of God have to do with our thoughts about race and ethnicity?
2.  How does the image of God speak to issues like abortion, mental or physical disability, or euthanasia?
3. What are some of the ways humans are uniquely gifted by God to be like Him?

The video mentioned historical atrocities of genocide and racism—like the Holocaust, apartheid, and slavery. Many of the people that participated in those evils were ordinary people we’d consider good and civil. Some of them even claimed to be Christians.

1. How should the Bible’s teaching on the image of God shape the way we think about race?

Many today tend to view racism as a sin of the past that’s not part of who we are as a country, people, or church today. Yet, those in the past did not view themselves as racist either. Racism happens any time we judge a person based on skin color or culture. Is there a people group that we might not understand or might avoid? What assumptions do we make about folks who don’t look like us? How can the Bible’s teaching about the image of God change our perspective? All of us have work to do. The goal of this study is to help you along in that process.

Dan said, “Racism is sin in two ways. It demeans both the glory of God and the gospel of God.” What did he mean? What is an example of each?

1. Other than outright racism, what are common ways we don’t see the image of God in others around us?

To demean another human being based on race is to demean and deny the image of God in them, which is an assault on God’s glory. Additionally, because the gospel reconciles all people to God, racism is also anti-gospel. The church is supposed to be a model of the multiethnic kingdom of God.

• Think about your church family. How can you contribute to a multiethnic kingdom-oriented culture there?

• What are some ways a church can show their community they value all people?

This Week’s Practice

OVER THE NEXT WEEK CONSIDER THESE THINGS IN LIGHT OF WHAT WE’VE STUDIED TOGETHER.

• Identify groups of people you tend to lump together and only consider as one big group. For example: liberal, conservative, men, women, immigrant, black, white, Asian, Latino, etc. What are some unhelpful assumptions you make about these categories?

• Pay close attention to your environment, media intake, and relationships. Are the people you live near and interact with mostly the same as you or different than you?

We all have inherent biases and assumptions. Changing these assumptions must begin with prayer. Pray for God to show you the humanity in individuals of that group.

• Pray for God to bring people into your life that are unlike you.  Ask Him for an opportunity to recognize that person’s humanity and learn from them. Write out your prayer.