What defines systemic racism?

Definition of Systemic Racism

Systemic racism refers to a framework of laws, policies, cultural norms, and societal structures that collectively disadvantage or marginalize a group of people based on their ethnicity or perceived race. While individual acts of discrimination certainly contribute to the broader issue, the term “systemic” indicates that these disparities often remain embedded in institutions long after overt prejudice has been publicly denounced. Historical contexts, governmental policies, and institutional practices can reinforce inequality. From a biblical viewpoint, any system that treats people unjustly based on race deviates from the created order in which every person is made in the image of God: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).

Scriptural Foundation: Unity of Humanity

Scripture consistently teaches that all humans share a common origin and equal worth before their Creator. In addressing the equal standing of all believers, the apostle Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). This principle underscores the biblical insistence that external attributes – such as ethnicity, nationality, or social status – do not determine a person's intrinsic value. When collective societal norms or institutions operate in a way that systematically treats one group as less worthy, they violate this foundational truth.

Beyond the New Testament teachings, the Old Testament also condemns partiality. Leviticus 19:15 states, “You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.” Though written in a different historical context, the principle remains applicable: partiality, whether institutionalized or personalized, stands in opposition to the nature of God’s justice.

Biblical Historical Context: Failure of Societies and Nations

In the biblical narrative, societies that oppressed marginalized groups often drew strong rebukes from the prophets. God condemns systemic injustices through His prophets when structures of governance fail to protect the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless. Plead the case of the widow.”). These calls for justice are not merely individual exhortations but demand a restructuring of societal practices to reflect righteousness.

Archaeological and historical discoveries provide tangible contexts to these biblical admonitions. Ancient Near Eastern records, such as administrative documents unearthed in Mesopotamian and Canaanite city ruins, illustrate how laws and edicts could be directed disproportionately against foreigners or lower-status groups, leading to systemic oppression. In Scripture, whenever these injustices become institutionalized, the prophets urged national repentance, reflecting the divine mandate for equitable treatment of all peoples.

Interpreting Systemic Racism in Light of Scripture

1. Sin’s Collective Impact: Sin is not only personal but can manifest corporately. When a society’s laws and customs persistently disadvantage certain groups, this reveals systemic or structural sin. Romans 3:23 states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This universal condition of sin can infect institutions themselves, perpetuating injustice across generations.

2. God’s Call for Justice: Throughout Scripture, justice is a priority. Micah 6:8 exhorts, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Addressing systemic racism aligns with the biblical call to uphold and correct systems that fail to reflect genuine justice and mercy.

3. Impartiality as a Divine Standard: James 2:9 declares, “But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” This principle applies in personal relationships and institutional structures alike. A society that continually advantages one group over another conflicts with God’s standard of impartial justice.

Practical Implications and Christian Response

1. Personal Responsibility: Even amid large-scale systems, Scripture underscores individual accountability. Believers are to model justice and compassion, avoiding participation in or support of unjust systems. Ephesians 2:14 reminds believers that Christ “has made both groups one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility.” Thus, bridging societal divides starts with individual hearts transformed by grace.

2. Institutional Engagement: Engaging with policies, workplace environments, and community structures to identify areas of injustice is a practical application of biblical teaching. In practical terms, this can involve advocacy, education, and leadership that aims to align societal structures more closely with values of equity and righteousness.

3. Historical Lessons: Studying biblical accounts reminds us that unaddressed systemic sins can hinder a nation’s flourishing. From Old Testament Israel’s failures to New Testament epistles urging unity, Scripture teaches that prolonged societal injustices must be confronted. This biblical precedent informs modern efforts to examine judicial systems, economic practices, and social norms for residues of racism.

Consistency with Biblical Manuscript Evidence

Ancient evidence such as the Dead Sea Scrolls affirms the historical reliability of the Old Testament. Their close match with later manuscript traditions supports the trustworthiness of transmitted commandments that oppose partiality and injustice. Likewise, extensive New Testament manuscripts, researched by numerous scholars, provide strong attestation to the consistency of passages emphasizing human equality and unity in Christ.

Conclusion

Systemic racism is defined by the presence of entrenched or institutionalized injustices that disadvantage certain ethnicities or races. From the biblical perspective, such injustice conflicts with God’s character and design, as revealed in Scripture. Humans are created with equal dignity, and societies are called to reflect the justice and compassion inherent in God’s nature. Rooting out sin at both personal and systemic levels remains a continuous process requiring humility, discernment, and the active pursuit of justice – an imperative seen repeatedly in Scripture and resonating in the hearts of those motivated by these timeless divine truths.