Christianity: Prejudice & Discrimination (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)

Christian teachings regarding prejudice & discrimination

What are prejudice and discrimination?

• Prejudice and discrimination are both related to negative attitudes and behaviours towards individuals or groups based on characteristics like race, gender, religion, or disability

• Prejudice refers to prejudging or forming an opinion about someone or a group without knowing them

  • This opinion is usually based on stereotypes or generalisations, and it is often negative

  • Prejudice is a mental attitude that involves biased thinking or assumptions about people due to their race, religion, gender, etc.

  • An example could be if a person holds a prejudiced belief that someone from a certain religion is untrustworthy or violent, even though they have no personal experience with them

• Discrimination is when people act on their prejudices and treat others unfairly or unjustly based on their differences

  • It is the unfair treatment of individuals or groups because of characteristics like their race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation

  • Discrimination can happen in many areas, including education, employment, housing, and social interactions

  • An example would be that a person might be discriminated against in a job interview because of their religious beliefs, even if they are qualified for the role

What does Christianity teach about prejudice and discrimination?

• Christianity teaches that prejudice and discrimination are wrong because they go against the fundamental Christian principles of love, equality, and respect for all people

• Christians are encouraged to treat everyone with kindness and fairness, regardless of their differences

• Christians base their beliefs upon the teachings of Jesus, which teaches them not to treat people unfairly

  • Jesus taught that people should love their neighbours (Matthew 22:39)

    • This means treating everyone with respect and kindness, no matter their background, race, or religion

  • Jesus showed compassion and care for those who were often marginalised or discriminated against in society, such as women, the poor, and sinners

    • For example, he spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), even though Jews and Samaritans typically did not interact

    • The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) teaches Christians to love and care for others, even if they are from different groups or backgrounds. The Samaritan helps a Jew, showing that compassion should not be limited by prejudice

  • Christianity teaches that all people are equal in the eyes of God

    • In Galatians 3:28, the Bible says, ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’

    • This means that God does not show favouritism and that all people, regardless of their gender, race, or social status, are valuable

• Christians believe that all people are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), so they should be treated with dignity and respect

• Jesus taught the Golden Rule: ‘Do to others what you would have them do to you’ (Matthew 7:12)

  • This means that Christians should treat others how they would want to be treated, showing love, respect, and kindness to everyone

• Christianity teaches that even those who treat you unfairly or discriminate against you should be treated with love

  • In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, ‘But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ 

    • This teaches Christians to rise above hate and respond with kindness, rather than prejudice or discrimination

• Throughout his life, Jesus showed love and care for the poor, sick, sinners, and outcasts

  • He broke social norms and associated with those who were often discriminated against, like tax collectors (e.g., Matthew 9:9-13) and the disabled (e.g., John 9:1-12)

    • This shows that Christians are called to help and treat all people equally, especially those who are marginalised

• Christianity teaches the importance of forgiveness, even for those who have prejudiced views or have discriminated against others

  • The Bible says that Christians should forgive others, just as God forgives them (Matthew 6:14–15)

    • This teaches that no one should be held accountable for their prejudice or discrimination if they genuinely seek forgiveness

• Many Christian organisations and churches actively work to combat discrimination and promote equality

  • For example, churches may run campaigns against racism or sexism and advocate for social justice

• Many Christian leaders and organisations support the civil rights movement and work to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally, regardless of their background

Christian teachings about religious prejudice and discrimination

What are Christian teachings about religious prejudice and discrimination?

• Christianity teaches that all forms of prejudice and discrimination (including based upon religious beliefs) are wrong

• Christianity teaches that all people are equal in the eyes of God

  • The Bible says, ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians 3:28)

    • This verse highlights that Christians believe God does not show favouritism based on religion, race, or social status

    • Religious prejudice and discrimination are incompatible with Christian teachings because all people are equally valuable in God’s eyes

• Jesus taught the Golden Rule: ‘Do to others what you would have them do to you’ (Matthew 7:12)

  • This means Christians are encouraged to treat others, whether they share the same religion or not, how they would want to be treated: fairly, with kindness, and without discrimination

• Christianity promotes religious tolerance, and although Christians believe their faith is the truth, they are still called to respect the right of others to follow their own religious beliefs

  • The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), a key event in Catholicism, emphasised religious freedom and the importance of dialogue between people of different faiths

    • It taught that people should respect the beliefs of others and promote peaceful coexistence

• Throughout his life, Jesus reached out to people who were rejected by society, including those from different religious backgrounds

  • He associated with people who were considered outcasts, showing that religious prejudice has no place in the Christian faith

    • Jesus praised the faith of a Roman centurion (Matthew 8:10), who was a non-Jew, showing that God values faith from all people, regardless of their religion

• Many Christians believe in interfaith dialogue and the promotion of peaceful coexistence between different religions

  • Christians are encouraged to live in harmony with others and to work towards a world where people of all faiths can coexist peacefully and respect each other’s differences