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What is the origin of the races of humanity?

What is the origin of the races of humanity?
Creation Creation

TL;DR:

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.

what does the bible say?

Neither the word nor the modern concept of "race" appears in the Bible. There is only one race: the human race. Skin tone and other supposed racial characteristics are mere combinations of innate genetic factors, originally created by God in Adam and Eve. These permit development of different family characteristics as humanity was commanded to multiply and fill the earth (Genesis 1:28; 9:1).

from the old testament

  • God created a single set of parents for all humankind (Genesis 1:27).
  • God commanded Adam and Eve, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" (Genesis 1:28; 9:1). Adam and Eve, and later, Noah and his family, had the genetic potential to produce a variety of skin tones and features.
  • At the Tower of Babel, God separated people into languages and nations (Genesis 10:32). It is suggested, but not proven, that God changed physical characteristics of different language groups to match their new geographical homes.
  • "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). God makes absolutely no distinction based on skin color or physical features.

from the new testament

  • God made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth (Acts 17:26). The NKJV translates this verse as: "God has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth." Biblically, there is only one human “race.”
  • Acts 17:26-27 also tells us that God made nations from Adam to fill the earth, intentionally placing people where He did so they could have the best chance of believing in Him: “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.”
  • All human groups are equal in Christ's sight. There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile (non-Jew), circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free, male or female (Colossians 3:11; Galatians 3:28). No race is a "master race," nor is any ethnicity inferior.

implications for today

Modern science regards race as a social construct: an identity which is assigned based on rules made by society. Race has no inherent physical or biological meaning. The European Union rejects theories which attempt to determine the existence of separate human races. In their documents the EU uses the terms racial origin and ethnic origin synonymously. The United States, at the federal level, recognizes five racial categories as well as numerous ethnic groupings. The boundaries between these racial and ethnic groups are becoming increasingly blurred due to growing numbers of people with mixed ancestry. This is a faster process than it was in the past, but the same mingling has happened for all of human history. Distinctions of “races” in a given era are unlikely to meaningfully apply many generations later. When filling out a form requesting personal background information, we should remember that race and ethnicity are social and political constructs. Instead, we must realize that we are all made in the image of God and all in need of a Savior. God has uniquely made us and placed us in the cultures and time periods in which He did so we could best know Him and make Him known.

understand

  • There is only one human race.
  • All people are made in the image of God and equally in need of salvation.
  • God has placed each of us in the ethnicities, cultures, and time periods corresponding to His will that we would come to know Him.

reflect

  • How does knowing that we all share the same human origin influence how you view people from different backgrounds?
  • How does recognizing our shared creation in God’s image challenge or change your understanding of race and identity?
  • What does the diversity yet unity of humanity reveal about God and His plans for humanity?

engage

  • Genetic research has shown that all of humanity is one race. Physical differences, such as skin color and facial features involve only a tiny fraction (0.012%) of a person's genes, not enough to distinguish separate racial groupings by genetics. How might understanding the biblical perspective of one human race affect the way we approach conversations about race and ethnicity?
  • Before Darwin, the term “race” was largely a political and geographical term, used to refer to a group of people sharing some habit or characteristic (such as profession or belief). Secular applications of evolution have redefined the term “race.” Now, when most people think of race, they are referring to lower races, higher races, black races, red races, etc., none of which are biblical or scientific. What role should our shared humanity play in bridging cultural and social divides within our communities?
  • How can we, as believers, demonstrate the truth of our unity in Christ while honoring the diversity of God’s creation?

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