Violence against particular groups based on their race or religion continues to plague humanity, perhaps at an increased rate in recent years. Both race and religion create a great bond among those who share the same identification while repeatedly stirring up great animosity between different groups.
Racism/ethnocentrism exists everywhere, far beyond the white/black tensions that frequently arise in the US. One ethnic group either sees themselves as superior, perceives that another group treats them as inferior, or for a myriad of other reasons simply does not like another group. Religious differences, even within the same major religious classifications, have led to tremendous hate and bloodshed.
The popular stance appears to aim at seeing everyone as equal. For example, regarding race one might say they don’t see the color of one’s skin. Yet what does that communicate? One might as well say, “Your race doesn’t matter. Despite the fact that you are ____, I see you as normal (like me).” But ethnicity does matter. At least, it matters to God.
Some suggest God is “colorblind,” as if race developed as an accidental byproduct of humans following the command to “be fruitful and multiply.” I strongly disagree and suggest that God does not look upon mankind and solely see one human “race” void of different ethnicities. Something that should be celebrated, however, has led to intense rivalry and bitter quarreling throughout history, and I expect it to continue.
Why so negative? Because ethnic and cultural differences are intended to bring greater glory to our creative God, and good things from God have become tainted by Satan, sin (pride), and wickedness. God will gather all ethnicities, people created in His image from every tribe and language, together at His throne where they will worship the Christ who redeemed them (see Revelation 7:9). Which brings up religion.
People often preach tolerance or a desire for those among varying beliefs to “coexist,” stating that religions generally teach people to do good and treat others well, so all should be respected. The mistake in promoting such a viewpoint is that treating all beliefs as equally valid demonstrates an ignorance over the important differences and actually discredits them by insinuating no beliefs are true. When eternal destination is at stake, beliefs matter a great deal. “You believe what you believe, and I’ll believe what I believe” sounds like “I don’t care what you believe because I believe what I believe,” rather than a desire to actually understand the other person’s faith.
I am not saying violence is justified or an acceptable means to deal with differences, but I am not surprised by it. Violence is a result of fear and pride. In order to move past those feelings, we must not promote a broad “acceptance” but instead seek to understand. We can promote peace, which I encourage, but let’s not be shallow in our thinking. Equality nowadays typically means doing away with differences, or, if we’re honest, making people think and act like we do. Instead, learn about other ethnicities, appreciate the creativity in each, and recognize both good and bad aspects of each culture. Concerning religion, don’t belittle a person’s faith by equating it with all other beliefs. Then, after learning about another’s belief, one should be free to accept or reject a faith. Forcing or manipulating people to convert indicates a human-driven belief system. And God is our final judge, not man.
People can either decide to determine for themselves what and how to worship, including worship of self, sex, money, and good works, or they can worship God as He has prescribed. God does not look upon all religions and say to their devoted followers, “Good enough.” It’s insane to think so, because it would make God a monster or a confused moron to have people believe such a variety of ideas. Why would God teach some people to suffer for the sake of others while teaching another group to pursue their own happiness by removing themselves from suffering? Why would He present Himself as a loving Father to some while having other groups live in fear of Him? According to Jesus, as the Messiah He never would have suffered and died on a cross if God had another way for people to be saved (see Matthew 26:39).
Point being, don’t promote an equality or acceptance that disregards differences. God intended there to be differences among cultures, and all have value in demonstrating God’s creativeness and glory through the uniqueness of peoples that He has created in His image. Regarding religion, examine accepted beliefs and acknowledge that the faith people hold on to demands more respect than a “whatever is good” attitude, for the consequences of what one believes remains of utmost importance.
travelinghope isaiah61 