How History Shaped Attitudes—and What Faith Teaches Us About True Equality
When we look back at history, one of the most significant events was the conquest of the Americas. This period, starting in the late 1400s, saw European explorers and settlers arrive in North and South America. While these events are often talked about as stories of exploration and adventure, there’s a darker side that had deep and lasting effects on the people who were already living there.
The Conquest and Its Legacy
As Europeans claimed new lands, they brought with them ideas and attitudes that placed themselves above the native peoples. Many indigenous communities faced violence, disease, and displacement. Over time, a belief grew stronger among the conquerors and their descendants that people with lighter skin were superior to those with darker skin. This attitude wasn’t just about personal prejudice—it became woven into laws, social structures, and even the way people thought about each other.
These racist ideas didn’t stay in the past. They influenced the growth of white nationalism—a belief that white people are inherently better and should dominate society. This ideology has fueled hatred, discrimination, and violence against people of color for centuries and still affects our world today.
Understanding Acts 17: God’s Love for All
Amid these harsh realities, it’s important to remember what the Bible teaches about humanity. In the book of Acts, chapter 17, the apostle Paul speaks to a crowd in Athens. He explains that God “made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth.” (Acts 17:26)
This powerful message means that, in God’s eyes, all people are equal. We come from the same creator, and no group is more valuable than another. God’s love isn’t limited by race, nationality, or culture. Instead, He desires that every person seeks Him and experiences His love and grace.
Bridging the Divide
Gaining knowledge of God, the holy scriptures, and our shared history allows us to grasp the origins of racism and its continued impact on societies today. However, our narrative isn’t destined to conclude with division and hatred. The message found in Acts 17 provides hope—encouraging us to view one another as equals and to love others as God loves us.
When we embrace this truth, we challenge the lingering spirit of racism and white nationalism. We move toward a world where everyone is valued, respected, and loved. It’s a journey that takes honesty about the past and a commitment to living out God’s vision for all people.
Let’s remember that, while history has left scars, faith calls us to healing, unity, and love.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
Notes: The Conquest of America: The Question of the Other Book by Tzvetan Todorov
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