Why Dehumanizing Others Contradicts the Core of Belief
If we believe that God is the giver of all life, then every person we encounter carries the imprint of divine creation. In essence, regardless of their skin color, background, or birthplace, each life is sacred. It is then fair to ask ourselves: how can we reconcile this truth with the act of dehumanizing people of color or immigrants?
Dehumanization often stems from fear, ignorance, or misguided beliefs that some are “less deserving” of respect, love, or dignity. But these attitudes directly clash with the fundamental belief in a God who loves all creation equally. If we claim that God gives life to all, then surely no life is less valuable or less worthy of honor.
Throughout history, many have used faith as a moral compass. Yet, biases have been passed down and normalized. This has allowed harmful stereotypes and prejudices to grow unchecked. This can’t coexist with a faith rooted in compassion and justice. If we truly reflect on the teachings of love, kindness, and unity, we find they provide no justification in many spiritual traditions. No group should be treated as inferior.
Immigrants and people of color have often been scapegoated and excluded. Yet, they enrich communities with their talents, cultures, and perspectives. Turning them into “others” devalues their humanity and blinds us to the beauty that diversity brings. It also diminishes our own humanity. When we fail to recognize the spark of the divine in others, we disconnect from that divine spark within ourselves.
So how do we move forward? The first step is self-reflection. We must examine our biases honestly, acknowledging where they come from and how they manifest in our thoughts and actions. Second, we should ask whether these attitudes align with the core of our spiritual beliefs: love, equality, and grace. Finally, we must actively choose empathy over judgment and connection over division.
Every individual, no matter their appearance or origin, is part of a greater whole. We share a world interconnected by the gift of life. To dehumanize anyone is to deny this truth. Let us strive to see each person as God sees them: deserving of dignity, compassion, and love.
In the magnificent words of Amos, “But let justice roll out like waters, And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 