1. Simple Answers Troubling Questions to ? ? Is Racism Sinful?

2. Racism is Ugly! Contributed to: Hatred between Jews & Greeks in 1 st cent. Slavery in America The Holocaust Present day racial unrest in America and around the world! But, some have gone so far as to use the Bible to promote their racist views.

3. Is Racism Sinful? Definition – Prejudice An adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge. (merriam-webster.com) Definition – Racism 1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race 2 : racial prejudice or discrimination (ibid.)

4. Racism is not Neighborly Luke 10:25-ff Jews did not like Samaritans Jesus, by using the Samaritan as an example, established the principle of agape (love). Who is my neighbor? The one to whom I make myself a neighbor! The racist is like the priest & Levite.

5. God Shows No Partiality Acts 10:34-35 While we recognize physical and cultural differences, one race is not inferior to another God recognizes the legitimacy of every race! What matters is whether you obey God’s will!

6. Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”

7. Hatred Is Sinful! Ephesians 4:31 Colossians 3:8 1 John 4:20 Hatred or malice, whether of brethren or others, is incompatible with the Christian walk

8. Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

9. Colossians 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

10. 1 John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

11. We Can’t Show Partiality with the Faith James 1:2-9 (Read) Favoritism, especially with regard to the gospel of our Lord, is sinful. You have become “judges with evil thoughts” You have “dishonored” another man You commit sin, violating the command to love your neighbor

12. Conclusion Racism fosters hatred for others. It is the root of all types of violence and intolerance throughout the world. It runs counter to God’s call for the Christian to love his brother, neighbor, and even his enemy. God is not a racist, and His children must not be racists either!