Justifying Superiority

“There are neither Jews nor Greeks, slaves nor free people, males nor females. You are all the same in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28 GWT)

The use of Biblical interpretations to justify the superiority of certain groups and the oppression of other groups is nothing new. The Bible describes the maltreatment of Moabites, Samaritans, gentiles, women, slaves, etc. These passages about ancient cultures have been used to continue practices of discrimination against minorites and those with limited power. 

 

Christ is the best role model for Christians to follow. Look at how Jesus treated those who were devalued by society--fishermen, Samaritans, women, children, lepers, people with disabilities, the poor. He taught us to love others like we love ourselves. Christ did not discriminate between Jews and Greeks, slaves and free people, males and females. In His eyes we are all the same, all worthy of love and dignity. The bulk of the Bible teaches inclusivity, fairness, compassion, and advocacy. Instead of misappropriating a few verses to justify our delusions of superiority, let us propagate the message of love and equality and honor God by the way we see and treat others. 

 

“Speak up for the people who have no voice,

    for the rights of all the misfits.

Speak out for justice!

    Stand up for the poor and destitute!” (Proverbs 31:8-9 MSG)