Racism: A Stronghold Opposed to God’s Purpose for Humanity

Understanding Racism’s Deep Roots and Why It Contradicts Our Shared Human Value

Racism is one of the most destructive forces in our world—a stronghold that stands in direct opposition to the very heart of God’s design for humanity. At its core, racism is not just a set of prejudiced ideas or unfair actions, but a deep-seated evil that divides and devalues people based on differences in skin color, ethnicity, or language. It is the antithesis of the unity, dignity, and love with which God created every human being (Gen. 1:26).

How Widespread Is Racism?

Today, racism is a global problem. About one in six people worldwide experience discrimination because of their ethnicity, color, or language. This isn’t just about isolated incidents—it’s a pattern found in nearly every nation, often leading to violence, inequality, and fractured societies. Reports show that over 70% of countries have seen an increase in discrimination, with racial bias accounting for 38% of all cases.¹ Those most often targeted include people of African descent, indigenous groups, and other ethnic minorities.

What Does Racism Look Like?

Racism takes many forms:

· Interpersonal: Hurtful slurs, bullying, and everyday harassment.

· Institutional: Policies that block equal access to housing, education, or jobs.

· Structural: Systemic inequalities that keep certain groups at a disadvantage.

It’s a reality in the United States, where anti-Black racism and the Black Lives Matter movement have drawn attention to longstanding injustices. In Europe, countries like Italy and Germany struggle with significant racial biases. Across Asia and the Middle East, minorities often face exclusion and mistreatment. No region is untouched.

The Roots of Racism: How Did We Get Here?

Racism hasn’t always existed. Its historical development shows how harmful beliefs can become embedded in societies over time. In medieval Europe, prejudice began with religious discrimination—Jews were associated with evil and targeted for exclusion. By the 16th century in Spain, even Jews who converted to Christianity faced ongoing suspicion and were seen as permanently different.

As European powers encountered people of different skin colors during the Renaissance and Age of Exploration, they developed new justifications for oppression. Africans, for example, were enslaved based on the belief that they were inherently inferior—a claim twisted from biblical stories and later reinforced by laws forbidding interracial marriage. Over the centuries, these attitudes shifted from religious arguments to so-called “scientific” and cultural theories that divided people into separate races.

The 19th and 20th centuries saw racism escalate, especially with the rise of nationalism and imperialism. In the United States, laws enforced segregation and stripped Black citizens of rights. In Germany, racist ideology led to the horrors of the Holocaust. South Africa’s apartheid system enforced separation and inequality well into the late 20th century.

Why Is Racism So Evil?

Racism is evil because it denies the truth that all people are created in the image of God. Instead of seeing every person as equally valuable, it sets up false hierarchies—some are deemed worthy, others less so. This mindset breeds suffering, injustice, and division. It is the opposite of God’s intent, which is for humanity to live as one family, united in love and respect.

What Can Be Done?

The fight against racism is ongoing. The United Nations and 89 countries have pledged to eliminate racial discrimination, monitoring abuses and advocating for justice. Initiatives like the International Decade of People of African Descent seek to address historic wrongs and promote dignity for all. Yet, real change also requires individuals and communities to confront prejudice in their own hearts and in the systems they participate in.

Hope for a Unified Humanity

History shows that progress is possible. The defeat of Nazi Germany, the end of legal segregation in the U.S., and the fall of apartheid in South Africa prove that even the strongest racist regimes can be overcome. But racism doesn’t always wear a label or come with laws—it can persist in subtle attitudes, cultural assumptions, and everyday decisions.

To break this stronghold, we must return to the foundational truth: every person, regardless of race or background, is precious and made in God’s image. By recognizing our shared humanity and standing against all forms of racism, we honor God’s purpose and open the door to a world marked by justice, peace, and genuine unity (Acts 17:26).

Minister A Francine Green

February 2026

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