There seems to be a growing trend today among individuals, news outlets, and special interest groups. Many of them appear to be quick at labeling someone’s actions or opinions as “racist” – despite some things not actually falling under the definitions of race, racist, and/or racism. What I aim to show here is that we are all one race, not many. Therefore, we should not be racist, as we would only be treating our fellow humans poorly.
What is race?
“Race” is a family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock. “Race” is also defined as “a class or kind of people unified by shared interests, habits, or characteristics.” The Bible, aka the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), tells us that we come from two people. Adam and Eve were their names, and they had sons and daughters (Genesis 5:4). In his epic sermon on Mars Hill, a Jewish Paul stares unbelieving Gentiles in the face and says God made of one blood all nations of men (Acts 17:26).
I can imagine that someone will pose the question, “Why do we all look so different?” That is, I think, a legitimate question. One of the best-known ‘more than one race’ voices was Charles Darwin, the famous author of On the Origin of Species who made the case that different groups or races of people came to be at different times, not to mention different rates. Thanks to Darwin, the world was left with certain ideas – for example, that People Group A is bigger, better and smarter than People Group B. To be fair, many people groups have thought that since the beginning, but it’s safe to say that a ‘more than one race’ worldview has made things worse in the last 200 years. If anything, it did not help relations between people of different skin colors.
Speaking of different skin colors, that is one area Answers in Genesis tackles as part of its apologetics ministry. Answers in Genesis says all human beings in the world today are classified as Homo sapiens sapiens. Answers in Genesis goes on to write that scientists today admit that, biologically, there really is only one race of humans. One example would be a scientist at the Advancement of Science Convention in Atlanta who said, “Race is a social construct derived mainly from perceptions conditioned by events of recorded history, and it has no basic biological reality.” But where did all these variations come from? In short, intermarriage between people of similar skin shades. Answers in Genesis would tell you the same, albeit in more scientific terms.
An equally important question
It was not until I began writing this article that an equally important question about race came to mind. That question involves why, if God knew the division it would cause, did He allow different skin colors to occur? I do not think He wants us to see our differences and be divided, that’s for sure. He is a creative God who loves differences. It’s also entirely possible that He allowed for different families, tribes, etc. in the same way He created different sexes. Moreover, it is only in having differences and recognizing them that we can actually experience unity. This, I think, is where free will comes into play.
God created man for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11 KJV). Other translations such as the ESV and NIV say man was created by and for His will. Either way, God does not have a problem with our skin colors. Remember, “Red and yellow, black and white, they are special in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” It turns out it is mankind, acting on its free will, that has problems with different skin colors. Yes, God might have stopped this by making us all khaki. However, God wants us to treat others like we want to be treated. Furthermore, God wants us to want to treat others fairly. That is His will:
“Jesus said unto him, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets’” (Matthew 22:37-40).
If you love God, you will love your neighbor. You will treat them the way you want to be treated. That includes correcting someone in grace upon seeing or hearing mistreatment. In doing so, you show your love, respect for, and obedience to God. Telling someone about Jesus Christ and His salvation is also a way to show that love. The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a great place to start (Luke 10:25-37).
