In today’s world, the concepts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are everywhere. We hear about them in our workplaces, schools, and communities. As Christians, how should we approach these topics? Do they align with our faith, or are they a separate, worldly concern?
The truth is a solid foundation in Christian faith doesn't just tolerate diversity and inclusion—it celebrates them. When we look at God's will and the teachings of the Bible, we find clear guidance that aligns with the core principles of DEI.
Diversity: God's Design
Diversity is not a human invention; it is a divine one. The Bible tells us that every person is created in the image of God (Imago Dei), which means every life has inherent value and dignity.
Genesis 1:27 NIV So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
This fundamental truth means that every person, regardless of their background, reflects God's handiwork.
The church itself is described as a body with many distinct parts, each vital to the whole.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIV [12] Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. [15] Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? [18] But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. [19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body. [21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” [22] On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, [24] while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, [25] so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. [26] If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. [27] Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.(emphasis mine)
Embracing diversity isn't about political correctness; it's about acknowledging and honoring the beautiful variety of God's creation.
Equity: The Call to Justice
Equity is about ensuring everyone has what they need to thrive, acknowledging that some people start with disadvantages. This principle is deeply rooted in the Bible’s call to justice.
The prophets consistently spoke out against oppression and injustice.
Micah 6:8 NIV He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Jesus’s ministry was a perfect example of this. He didn't just minister to the powerful; he intentionally sought out and uplifted those who were marginalized and overlooked. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, he called His followers to a radical love that extends beyond social boundaries.
Luke 10:25-37 NIV [25] On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” [26] “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” [27] He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” [28] “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” [29] But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” [30] In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. [31] A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. [32] So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. [34] He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ [36] “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” [37] The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Our call to love our neighbor means we must advocate for fairness and tear down systems that create inequality
Equity is about ensuring everyone has what they need to thrive, acknowledging that some people start with disadvantages. This principle is deeply rooted in the Bible’s call to justice.
The prophets consistently spoke out against oppression and injustice.
Micah 6:8 NIV He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Jesus’s ministry was a perfect example of this. He didn't just minister to the powerful; he intentionally sought out and uplifted those who were marginalized and overlooked. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, he called His followers to a radical love that extends beyond social boundaries.
Luke 10:25-37 NIV [25] On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” [26] “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” [27] He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” [28] “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” [29] But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” [30] In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. [31] A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. [32] So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. [34] He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ [36] “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” [37] The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Our call to love our neighbor means we must advocate for fairness and tear down systems that create inequality
Inclusion: The Open Table
Inclusion is about making sure everyone feels they belong and can participate fully. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus modeled an incredible form of radical inclusion. He welcomed all to His table, regardless of their social standing. The Great Commission itself is a command to make disciples of all nations, not just one.
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (emphasis mine)
The Bible also says this.
Galatians 3:28 NIV There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
The early Christian church was built on this same principle, welcoming people from all nations and backgrounds.
Acts 10:34-36 NIV [34] Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism [35] but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. [36] You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. (emphasis mine)
A truly Christian community is one where everyone, regardless of their past or current struggles, is welcomed with open arms and given a seat at the table.
Living it Out
Aligning our priorities with God's will is a continuous process. It requires regular self-reflection and a willingness to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Embracing DEI is not just a trend; it's a way for us to live out our faith more fully and to reflect God's love to a hurting world. By celebrating diversity, striving for equity, and practicing radical inclusion, we can build a church and a community that truly honors God and blesses all of His people.
Inclusion is about making sure everyone feels they belong and can participate fully. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus modeled an incredible form of radical inclusion. He welcomed all to His table, regardless of their social standing. The Great Commission itself is a command to make disciples of all nations, not just one.
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (emphasis mine)
The Bible also says this.
Galatians 3:28 NIV There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
The early Christian church was built on this same principle, welcoming people from all nations and backgrounds.
Acts 10:34-36 NIV [34] Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism [35] but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. [36] You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. (emphasis mine)
A truly Christian community is one where everyone, regardless of their past or current struggles, is welcomed with open arms and given a seat at the table.
Living it Out
Aligning our priorities with God's will is a continuous process. It requires regular self-reflection and a willingness to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Embracing DEI is not just a trend; it's a way for us to live out our faith more fully and to reflect God's love to a hurting world. By celebrating diversity, striving for equity, and practicing radical inclusion, we can build a church and a community that truly honors God and blesses all of His people.
RSS Feed