What is the biblical perspective on multiculturalism?

Answer

The concept of multiculturalism can be interpreted in several ways, although two are more commonly used. The first is the notion of cultural diversity within a specific political or geographic area. The second is a social or political effort to promote a certain level of cultural diversity. The biblical perspective on multiculturalism addresses both aspects, albeit not in a overly prescriptive manner. Essentially, the Bible strongly supports multiculturalism in the sense that various languages, cuisines, music styles, and traditions are part of our human heritage. Moreover, all individuals, regardless of their culture, are equally valued by God. Politically, the Bible emphasizes respecting authority more than advocating for specific policies. Theologically, the Bible does not endorse the idea that all cultural or religious beliefs are equally valid or should be regarded as such.

According to Scripture, multiculturalism, in terms of practical diversity, is precisely what we will experience in heaven. The Bible describes a multitude of people “from every nation, tribe, people, and language” praising God at His throne “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”, (Revelation 7:9). The principle of multiculturalism is evident in the Bible’s teaching that race, culture, and gender do not divide us in God’s eyes (Galatians 3:28;Romans 1:16). The Bible even promotes cooperation with cultural norms as long as they do not contradict God’s commands (1 Corinthians 9:22;1 Corinthians10:33). Therefore, considering the variety of colors and cultures that God has created and values, multiculturalism is a profoundly biblical concept. What God creates and values, we should also appreciate.

From a political standpoint, the Bible doesn’t extensively address multiculturalism apart from the directive to respect authority (Romans 13:1-2). This implies the need to adapt to certain aspects of the local culture. Insisting on an unrestricted right to offend others is not only contrary to biblical teachings but also unproductive. Similarly, maintaining a completely distinct culture from that of one’s host nation or people is not endorsed by Scripture. Nevertheless, demonstrating love and concern for our neighbors involves tolerating a certain degree of disagreement (Matthew 5:39;Romans 15:1;1 Corinthians 8:13). Therefore, a biblical perspective on multiculturalism entails a level of political compliance and acceptance. Additionally, Christians are instructed to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:28-29). Hence, when laws or cultural norms directly contradict biblical principles, we are compelled to engage in civil disobedience.

The one area where a biblical viewpoint directly clashes with certain forms of multiculturalism is in theology. Multiculturalism is often taken to an extreme of “relativism,” where no specific viewpoint is considered objectively true, accurate, or ethical. This notion is typically limited to religious beliefs. Asserting that all religious beliefs are equally valid, all perceptions of God are equally legitimate, or every religious approach is correct is inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible (John 14:6;John 3:36;1 Timothy 2:5;Exodus 20:2-3). Christians cannot endorse a form of multiculturalism that compromises their faith.Multiculturalism that embraces spiritual error as if it were spiritual truth (2 Timothy 4:3; Galatians 1:8), even if their stand results in negative social consequences, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:19).

Multiculturalism, in practice, is simply an expression of God’s creativity. There is much to be valued in different ideas, perspectives, and tastes (Proverbs 11:14; Romans 14:5). To what extent a particular nation enforces certain choices on others is not so much a biblical question as a political one. The Bible does not support the transformation of multiculturalism into relativism, however. Christians are obligated to be loving, respectful, and tolerant (1 Peter 3:15-16; 2:17); at the same time, we are commanded not to participate in the sins of any particular culture (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 11:3), even those of our own culture (Romans 6:17-18; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).