What Is Racism Analysis Essay Example

in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.' (Genesis 1:27). This suggests that since God initially made two individuals from whom all others came, there can only be one human race. Furthermore, in Genesis, it mentions that 'the man called his wife's name Eve because she was the mother of all living.'

'This further emphasizes my previous statement that Eve is the mother of all living, signifying the existence of only one human race. Furthermore, in the Bible, Noah's story supports this notion by suggesting that there could also be only one human race descended from him and his family. As humans are created in God's likeness, individuals who profess love for God but harbor hatred towards their brethren are being deceitful. This is because if someone fails to love their visible brother, it becomes impossible for them to genuinely love an unseen God.'

All humans, regardless of gender, race, or religion, are made in the image of God. The Bible emphasizes this belief and rejects idolatry of statues like those worshipped by ancient Greeks and Romans. It teaches that when we show respect and love towards other humans, we also show respect and love towards God. Jesus' instruction to love our neighbors as ourselves goes beyond societal and physical differences; it promotes equality and discourages racism. The book of Matthew reminds us to always treat others with kindness and consideration, emphasizing the importance of treating others well.

The love of God encompasses all individuals and it is vital to reciprocate this affection by adhering to the teachings found in the Bible. This obligation is emphasized in Matthew

25:31-45, where it asserts that mistreating anyone is equivalent to mistreating God. Thus, any form of insult, regardless of race, constitutes an offense against God. As a result, the actions performed by the Ku Klux Klan, which involve insulting or even killing black individuals, are considered disrespectful towards God. These actions contradict their professed Christianity. Moreover, the Bible provides numerous instructions on how to treat foreigners as illustrated in Leviticus 19:33-34: 'Do not mistreat foreigners residing in your land.'

The quote "Treat them as you would a fellow-Israelite, and love them as you love yourselves," was initially meant for the Israelites but remains pertinent in conversations regarding racism within the Christian community. This quote underscores God's impartial treatment of all individuals and encourages mutual respect. Distinct Christian reactions to racism may differ, with some resorting to violence while others opt for passivity. These responses can be attributed to their respective beliefs. Martin Luther King, born on January 15, 1929 and died on April 4, 1968, serves as an exemplar of a Christian who actively fought against racism.

Martin Luther King, a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) and hailing from a deeply religious Baptist family, advocated for non-violent protests as a means to combat racial inequality in America. This was at a time when there were concerns that America would resemble South Africa with its racial disparities, where black individuals earned only half of what their white counterparts did.

One notable example of Martin's activism was his orchestration of the 'bus boycott,' which aimed to challenge the law mandating black individuals to give up their seats to white passengers upon request while

using buses. Lasting an impressive 382 days, this boycott involved abstaining from utilizing buses altogether.

After the enactment of a law, individuals of both black and white races were allowed to travel on buses without segregation. Martian Luther King played a significant role in advocating for additional laws. In 1963, he led a march with hundreds of thousands of people, including both black and white individuals, with the aim of establishing a new civil rights law that would benefit African Americans in America. This demonstrates the effectiveness of his non-violent protests and their contribution towards positive changes in American society.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, born in South Africa in 1931, is another supporter of non-violent protest for rights. He has received honorary doctorates from prestigious universities in the USA, Britain, and Germany.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu aims to achieve a society free from racial divisions and with equal opportunities for all. His specific goals include: 1) ensuring equal civil rights, 2) abolishing South Africa's passport laws, 3) establishing a unified education system, and 4) stopping forced deportation from South Africa to the "homelands". In recognition of his efforts against apartheid, Archbishop Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and accepted it on behalf of those fighting against racial segregation. After retiring as Archbishop, he created the Desmond Tutu Peace Trust to support fundraising initiatives. Archbishop Trevor Hudleston, a close associate of Desmond Tutu, also peacefully protested against the ban on interracial marriages.

The text highlights the role of Nelson Mandela in fighting against apartheid through his involvement in the ANC and his opposition to the Immorality Act. The ANC aims to liberate South Africa from racism and achieve social,

political, and economic transformation. Mandela's notable quote asserts Christianity's opposition to the South African system, emphasizing the commandment to love as a central tenet.

Christians in Africa who endured the Apartheid are instructed to detest evil, particularly apartheid which is considered extremely malevolent. The Ku Klux Klan, a racist group, is responsible for the killing and torment of black individuals. During their gatherings, they ignite or "light" the Christian cross while wearing white head masks and robes. Their belief is that God created heaven and earth and molded the white man in his own image.

The Ku Klux Klan attributes the existence of different races to Darwin's theory of evolution. They unjustly use this belief to justify their racist actions, falsely claiming alignment with Christianity and biblical teachings. It is crucial to acknowledge that the Ku Klux Klan promotes racism rather than opposing it and resorts to violence as a means of bringing about change. However, it is important to recognize that violence is an ineffective approach for significant legislative transformations and is inappropriate when seeking rights.

People who practice non-violent protest are more likely to be heard and can potentially bring about change if their ideas resonate with others. For Christians, the Bible serves as a valuable resource for guidance in challenging situations.