Two questions regarding "racism"

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Jul 9, 2020
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#21
Lots of different definitions for racism here.

I'm definitely not interested in any secular views on racism. I really couldn't care less. The ONLY thing I'm interested in are your views on the subject that are derived from scripture or church.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
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#22
Lots of different definitions for racism here.

I'm definitely not interested in any secular views on racism. I really couldn't care less. The ONLY thing I'm interested in are your views on the subject that are derived from scripture or church.


"First of all what exactly is racism? Secondly, does the Bible condemn it?

Just interested in getting a sense why Christians believe what they do on this subject. I'd request trying your absolute best to avoid arguing with people if they don't see things the same as you. The intent of this thread is strictly for information gathering. I really don't want an argument. If I post again, it might be to ask a clarifying question or two. Not to argue."


The ONLY thing I'm interested in are your views on the subject that are derived from scripture or church.[/QUOTE]

Then maybe you should have said that first huh?.
 

NotmebutHim

Senior Member
May 17, 2015
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#23
"First of all what exactly is racism? Secondly, does the Bible condemn it?

Just interested in getting a sense why Christians believe what they do on this subject. I'd request trying your absolute best to avoid arguing with people if they don't see things the same as you. The intent of this thread is strictly for information gathering. I really don't want an argument. If I post again, it might be to ask a clarifying question or two. Not to argue."


The ONLY thing I'm interested in are your views on the subject that are derived from scripture or church.

Then maybe you should have said that first huh?.

Agreed

I just naturally assumed that the first question was from a secular POV and the second was from a Scriptural one.

Which is why I responded the way I did upthread.
 
Jul 9, 2020
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#24
Then maybe you should have said that first huh?.
Just a little miscommunication.
1. I don't know that the Bible defines many words. I did indeed anticipate that people would give their best definition based on what they know and what they've experienced.
2. On a christian site I would expect some kind of Biblical rationale for people's thoughts on the subject. I guess if your views on racism were not based on the Bible, then that's fine too. I guess I'm interested if that is indeed the case, it's just that don't care to hear all about them.
 

Grandpa

Senior Member
Jun 24, 2011
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#25
The Egyptians were a different race than the Hebrews. The Hebrews were made slaves by the Egyptians. There was racism there but the bible didn't really define what it was.

The Hebrews, later on, must have had slaves of their own as well, because they made laws about them. There is no doubt that the Hebrews were racist. But again, the bible doesn't really define what it is.

Except maybe a sense of entitlement because you belong to a certain race. The thought that your race is superior to all others.

But the bible says that is not true. All the races are equally ignorant of God and unrighteous before Him until they come to Christ and are made clean.
 

Robo36

Active member
Nov 27, 2019
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#26
Racism is the belief that one particular race of people is superior or inferior to another particular race or races of people.

Religiously speaking, biblical scripture seems to revel that God approved of the Israeli race above all others. However in my opinion since God made every race of people he owns the unimpeachable right and power to exhibit divine racism and apparently tolerated it among the Israeli tribes. Slavery wasn't condemned as a sin biblically as far as I know, correct me if I'm wrong.
 

Reborn

Senior Member
Nov 16, 2014
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#27
God throughout the Bible, restricted the Hebrews from intermarriage, was that racist?

Deuteronomy 7:1-3KJV
1 When the Lord thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;
2 And when the Lord thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:
3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
God okays all life to exist.
Every human alive He has made.
His ultimate creation.

To imply or think He is or could even be racist seems kind of....racist? 😐
 
K

kaylagrl

Guest
#28
First of all what exactly is racism? Secondly, does the Bible condemn it?

Just interested in getting a sense why Christians believe what they do on this subject. I'd request trying your absolute best to avoid arguing with people if they don't see things the same as you. The intent of this thread is strictly for information gathering. I really don't want an argument. If I post again, it might be to ask a clarifying question or two. Not to argue.

If you read the Bible, seems pretty clear to me how God expects us to treat one another.


Acts 10:34-35
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.



Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.


John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.


Romans 10:12
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.



Genesis 1:26-27
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them



Colossians 3:11
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.


 
Sep 3, 2016
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#29
The Miracle of God’s Word

Galatians 2:12
For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
...
Paul is reminding the Galatians of what happened between himself, Peter and others in Antioch because the same thing was now happening to them there in Galatia. The freedom and liberty we have in Christ Jesus will always be under attack by those who do not accept Him, or those who have, but refuse to follow Him through faith in His work at Calvary alone. Peter was enjoying his new freedom in Christ and fellowship with the Gentiles, who in times past would have never eaten with them or have eaten what they eat. Peter was learning that the Kingdom of God is NOT what you eat and drink (Romans 14:17), but rather Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit.


Peter was moved away from his liberty and freedom in Christ through fear which came into his heart and moved him into a place of hypocrisy, as others also were of course moved into this sin as they followed him. The fear of man brings a trap with it (Proverbs 29:25), while the fear of the Lord brings a strong confidence to those who have it (Proverbs 14:26-27). The same thing was now happening in the Galatian Church and when this happens, the Lord sees it as a moving away from Him who has called us (Galatians 1:6), and a falling from His Grace (Galatians 5:1-4). Paul reminded Peter that day in Antioch before all who were there that we are justified by the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ, and not our works. Always remember that Peter was Righteous, but the problem the Lord had with Peter was that his CONDITION/works was NOT the fruit of his POSITION. This is very important to the Lord!

Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!

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Pastor Curtis

For more see "Jacob The Heel Catcher - Spiritual Adultery," beginning at thread 91. You will find much about this topic. see- Pastor Curtis
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
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#30
First of all what exactly is racism? Secondly, does the Bible condemn it?
Racism is the assumption that one race (ethnic group) is SUPERIOR to another because of skin color. It fails to take into account that all individuals are different, and the color of their skin has nothing to do with their character or capabilities.
 

OIC1965

Well-known member
Sep 19, 2020
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#31
First of all what exactly is racism? Secondly, does the Bible condemn it?

Just interested in getting a sense why Christians believe what they do on this subject. I'd request trying your absolute best to avoid arguing with people if they don't see things the same as you. The intent of this thread is strictly for information gathering. I really don't want an argument. If I post again, it might be to ask a clarifying question or two. Not to argue.
Racism is the belief that one race is superior to another/others

Yes, the Bible condemns it
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
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#32
Religiously speaking, biblical scripture seems to revel that God approved of the Israeli race above all others.
If you study this matter closely it was not the "Israeli race", but the Hebrew descendants of Jacob/Israel. At the same time God made it perfectly clear to the Israelites that he did NOT choose them for any merit in themselves. It was purely by (1) the grace of God and (2) God's immutable covenant with Abraham (who was not an Israelite but a Hebrew).

Bible students should also be aware that the Ishmaelities who are now Arabs (descendants of Ishmael) were also part-Hebrew, since Ishmael was the son of Abraham through Hagar the Egyptian. And since Ephraim and Manasseh (sons of Joseph) were also partly Egyptian, we see that other ethnic groups were involved in the 12 tribes of Israel.
 

Skovand

Active member
Aug 17, 2020
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#33
Racism comes in two main forms.

The first is when someone believes that their race is superior to all others. That other races are lesser.
The second is when someone blames another race for all their problems.

Yes it says we are all one.
 
Aug 14, 2019
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#34
I feel dumb using the term 'racist'.
I think fear of 'others' is a law of survival. It's carnal but not intrinsically evil.
It was helpful but not anymore. Especially not in Christ.
 

Lucy-Pevensie

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2017
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#35
Lots of different definitions for racism here.

I'm definitely not interested in any secular views on racism. I really couldn't care less. The ONLY thing I'm interested in are your views on the subject that are derived from scripture or church.
It doesn't matter to the church. It's an obsession for worldly, ungodly people. We are all one in The Lord Jesus regardless of race.
God doesn't grant forgiveness, favour, blessings or talent on the basis of racial groups. He made us as various as flowers & trees for his glory. The world of today has contrived an alternative morality code because they are in rebellion against the creator.
 

Skovand

Active member
Aug 17, 2020
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#36
I feel dumb using the term 'racist'.
I think fear of 'others' is a law of survival. It's carnal but not intrinsically evil.
It was helpful but not anymore. Especially not in Christ.
Sure we should be cautious of anyone who we don’t know or who we believe is shady. That’s normal. But that’s not what racists believe. A racist believes all the other races are lesser. When they see a little boy with his dad at a buffet that’s a different race, he’s not thinking a happy dad and kid he’s thinking of a false reality where that kid is trash and that kid should be dead or at least locked away from him and his family and now he’s not even going to eat any chicken because those dirty hands touched the tongs.

That’s the difference.
 
Mar 23, 2016
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#37
Just interested in getting a sense why Christians believe what they do on this subject.
How God sees all nations of men:

Acts 17:

24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being;



God does differentiate based on faith, encourages all to come to faith, and further encourages believers to be careful in their dealings with non-believers:

2 Corinthians 6:

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

I think we think it's okay to yoke up with unbelievers and we like to think we will bring the unbeliever to faith ... but a lot of the time, it is the believer who is compromised and is led astray. And that is why God cautions us ... because He knows how easily we are led astray.



God sees believers as one body in the Lord Jesus Christ with Christ as the Head:

Romans 12:

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.


1 Corinthians 12:

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

...

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.



Colossians 1:

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.


We are the ones who see differences (denominations) and claim that a brother or sister in Christ is not a member of the body because he/she is a member of this or that denomination.




surfer14 said:
First of all what exactly is racism?
I believe it is a distraction ... an agenda of the adversary to keep mankind enslaved and fighting amongst each other.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.



 
Aug 14, 2019
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#38
Sure we should be cautious of anyone who we don’t know or who we believe is shady. That’s normal. But that’s not what racists believe. A racist believes all the other races are lesser. When they see a little boy with his dad at a buffet that’s a different race, he’s not thinking a happy dad and kid he’s thinking of a false reality where that kid is trash and that kid should be dead or at least locked away from him and his family and now he’s not even going to eat any chicken because those dirty hands touched the tongs.

That’s the difference.
Point taken.
 

mustaphadrink

Senior Member
Dec 13, 2013
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#40
First of all what exactly is racism? Secondly, does the Bible condemn it?

Just interested in getting a sense why Christians believe what they do on this subject. I'd request trying your absolute best to avoid arguing with people if they don't see things the same as you. The intent of this thread is strictly for information gathering. I really don't want an argument. If I post again, it might be to ask a clarifying question or two. Not to argue.
I have a strong feeling that racism is in the eye of the beholder. I have discovered often that which is labelled as hate speech is speech they hate because it is the truth. In my country, there is a tussle over the idea of giving offence in human rights law. Someone rightly pointed out that you don't give offence. You take offence.

I often go into the lion's den to defend the truth, and a lot of what is said is totally offensive but I don't take offence. If I don't take offence the person writing cannot give offence.

I am a member of a particular race and when I arrived in Australia we were the butt of many jokes. Did I take offence? NO. I let them all go through to the keeper. Which meant those that denigrated my race never got on the wrong side of me.

Do black lives matter? Of course. Do Latino lives matter? Of course. Do Asian lives matter? Of course. Do babies lives matter? Of course. Do anybody's lives not matter? Of course not.

Until we accept that everyone has the right to life (except those that take life unlawfully) and a right to live peacefully as they see fit, nobody's lives will matter.