Racism Is Prideful and Unbiblical
A recently-released poll, if accurate, reveals a shocking amount of racism still prevalent in some areas of the country. The poll, conducted by the Democrat-affiliated group Public Policy Polling, found that almost half of Mississippi Republicans think interracial marriage should be banned.
The American South, certainly including Mississippi, has long been referred to as the “Bible Belt” of America, which is a reference to the dominance of Evangelical Christianity in the region. But sadly, if the Mississippi poll is any indicator of the modern state of the “Bible Belt,” belief in the authority and sufficiency of the Bible has buckled.
It is shocking that such a large number of self-described conservatives in the “Bible Belt” hold such a racist and anti-Gospel position, believing interracial marriage to be wrong. Have they not read the Scriptures that are so readily available and accessible in the “Bible Belt?”
Even a basic understanding of the Bible’s teachings prevents espousing such racist and anti-Gospel viewpoints. All humans are created in the image of God. To devalue another human because of their skin color is to devalue the image of God, a very serious offense. One of the most prominent messages of the Bible is the love of God for people, regardless of what they look like. Jesus Christ’s substitutionary atonement on the cross is for people from every tribe, tongue and nation. This means Heaven will be filled with those from every race and color — that’s exactly how God wants it.
But racism is rebellion against that master plan. At its root, racism is pride, a sin that God particularly hates. It stems from pride in one’s perception of their own worth being above the worth of others. Ironically, this pride is totally unfounded. What did any of us do in order to be born into our particular race or ethnicity? The Apostle Paul asked that very question to the Corinthian church, which was struggling with issues of pride: “What do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” In other words, Paul was pointing out how ridiculous it is for any of us to act superior to anyone else, especially since we did nothing to choose our own innate characteristics.
It’s clear the “Bible Belt” could use some tightening. “Bible Belt” Christians must overcome any cultural prejudices that were instilled while growing up in the South. The Creator of every human color expects no less.
RELATED INFORMATION:
RALEIGH, N.C., April 8 (UPI) — Almost half of Mississippi Republicans say they believe interracial marriage should be outlawed, a poll indicates.
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Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people. (NKJV)