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Does the Bible say anything about ethnocentrism?

Does the Bible say anything about ethnocentrism?
Fall Worldview

TL;DR:

The Bible consistently rejects ethnocentrism by affirming that all people are equally made in God’s image and equally redeemed by Christ. Any attitude of ethnic superiority rebuilds walls Jesus died to tear down and stands in direct opposition to the gospel.

what does the bible say?

We are all brothers and sisters who are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27; 9:6). Yet, sadly, we have destructive realities in this world like ethnocentrism—the belief that one’s own ethnic group or culture is superior to others—that seek to destroy this God-given unity. Since all human beings share equally in God’s image, no one is superior to another in God’s eyes (Acts 10:34). Jesus came to save the whole world from sin, not just a select group of people (Galatians 3:28; Revelation 5:9). In the body of Christ, there is no distinction in a person’s worth based on ethnicity (Colossians 3:11). As Ephesians 2:14 explains, Christ Himself is our peace, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility—first between humanity and God because of sin, and then between Jews and Gentiles. By His death, Jesus destroyed every barrier that falsely divides people and united all who believe into one new people before God.

from the old testament

  • Human beings of all races, colors, and ethnic origins descended from one man and one woman, and we are all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27; 9:6). Certainly, that image is corrupted by sin, but it still exists.

from the new testament

  • It is because we are created in His image that God does not show partiality or favoritism (Acts 10:34). He is not partial to one race or ethnic group over another. He shows no favoritism to one group over another. Neither should we.
  • Jesus came to save the world, both Jews and Gentiles. Paul bears this out by saying, "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" (Galatians 3:28)
  • And "there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all" (Colossians 3:11).
  • In addition to saving people from all nations and ethnic groups, Jesus also destroyed all barriers of race and ethnicity with His death on the cross (Ephesians 2:14).
  • The proof of God's impartiality is shown in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross for the salvation of all of mankind. Jesus did not die for one race or ethnic group. Rather, by His death He "ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9).

implications for today

Ethnocentrism is defined as the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture, or the tendency to view other groups from the perspective of one's own. According to this definition, ethnocentrism is another name for racism. While it may seem at times that the racism based on ethnocentric beliefs is unique today, it has plagued humanity for centuries and has caused the deaths of millions. Moreover, ethnocentrism is extremely anti-biblical because it attempts to raise the barriers Christ destroyed. Instead of seeing ourselves as part of one humanity, ethnocentrism divides and separates us from one another.

Biblically speaking, there must be no room in the hearts of Christians for sinful, ethnocentric attitudes, as these are contrary to God's Word. Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34). We cannot obey this great and weighty command if we are committing sin against others that come from ethnocentric beliefs.

understand

  • All people are equally made in God’s image; no ethnicity is superior.
  • Jesus saves and unites people from every ethnic group into one body.
  • Ethnocentrism opposes the gospel by rebuilding divisions Christ destroyed.

reflect

  • Where might subtle attitudes of ethnic superiority or favoritism be shaping the way you view others made in God’s image?
  • How does knowing that Christ destroyed dividing walls challenge the way you relate to people from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds?
  • What steps can you take to better reflect Jesus’ impartial love in your everyday relationships?

engage

  • How does the Bible’s teaching that all people are equally made in God’s image reshape the way the church should function as one body?
  • Why is it serious that ethnocentrism rebuilds divisions that Christ has already torn down, and how does the Gospel address this?
  • How can we practically live out the unity Christ purchased while honoring cultural differences?

More Resources

Worldview What is a biblical view of prejudice, discrimination, and racism?

What is a biblical view of prejudice, discrimination, and racism?

God made all humans in His image, so prejudice, discrimination, and racism are contrary to His character, heart, and design. Every person should be treated with dignity, valuing faith and character over ethnicity or social status.
Creation What is the origin of the races of humanity?

What is the origin of the races of humanity?

The Bible and genetics agree that there is only one human race. Scripture emphasizes our shared humanity and unity as descendants of Adam and Eve.
Humanity What does it mean that humanity is created in the image of God?

What does it mean that humanity is created in the image of God?

Humanity is created in the image of God, meaning we resemble and reflect God. This compels us to treat every person with dignity, and to take seriously the way we reflect God to the world.
Sin What was the effect of the fall on humanity? How did the fall affect our world?

What was the effect of the fall on humanity? How did the fall affect our world?

Because Adam and Eve wanted to control their own lives, every human is born with that sin nature, that same desire for evil, and it always leads to death.