What does the Bible say about classism?

Response

Classism refers to prejudice towards or against specific groups based on their social class. It encompasses bias related to racial, economic, educational, or ethnic criteria. In nations like India, classism is deeply ingrained in the society, often unquestioned. Individuals from higher castes typically avoid marrying or socializing with those from lower castes. While formal castes may not be recognized in more Westernized societies, other forms of classism persist.

The existence of classism is not a recent phenomenon. Throughout history, people have devised ways to segregate themselves, elevating some while degrading others. By the time of Jesus’ birth, classism had become deeply rooted in Jewish society. Samaritans faced disdain due to their nationality, and tax collectors were scorned because of their occupation (Matthew 18:17;Luke 18:11;John 4:9). Non-Jews were labeled as Gentiles and deemed “unclean.” The ruling Romans controlled the legal system, while the Pharisees and religious leaders held sway over all spiritual matters. Everyone else was considered inferior and expected to show deference to their superiors (Matthew 5:42;Matthew 23:2-7). Classism prevailed, and the scribes and Pharisees aimed to maintain this hierarchy.

Jesus’ arrival revolutionized the social structure of that era. Despite being a rightful king, Jesus chose to be born into a humble working-class family, bypassing Herod’s palace. He announced His birth first to a group of shepherds, who occupied a lower social status (Luke 1 — 2). Jesus, as a man, could have assumed the role of a Pharisee and asserted His superiority over others. Instead, He dined “with tax collectors and sinners” «And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans

and sinners?”, (Matthew 9:11). He was considered a rabbi, an exalted position, yet He never used that title to exploit or demean others. He defied the classism that existed in His world by selecting fishermen and a tax collector as disciples (Matthew 4:19; Matthew 9:9), showing respect to a poor widow (Luke 21:1-4), and publicly forgiving an adulteress (John 8:1-11). He featured a Samaritan as the hero of a parable (Luke 10:25-37) and affirmed women by ensuring they were the first to report His resurrection (Luke 24:1-10). He further shattered barriers by giving Peter a vision and saying, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” “And the voice spoke to him again the second time, What God has cleansed, that call not thou common.”, (Acts 10:15). Through this, Peter understood that Jesus was extending eternal life to Gentiles as well as Jews.

Christianity serves as the great equalizer by eradicating self-righteous classism. The Bible explicitly prohibits classism in the church (James 2:1-4). According to the Bible, all individuals are sinners and equally undeserving of forgiveness (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23). We will all face God one day, and there will be no partiality at that time “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: “, (Acts 10:34). When Jesus took on the sins of the world, His sacrifice was extended to everyone who believes “and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”, (1 John 2:2). Paul says, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are… heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29).

It’s often said that the ground is level at the foot of the cross, and it’s true. Jesus’ sacrifice on behalf of sinners nullifies all worldly notions of class, caste, and social standing. The aristocrat and the pauper are both equally in need of the Savior, equally saved by grace through faith, and equally granted an eternal inheritance in Christ.

According to Scripture, there are only two “classes” of people: those who are perishing and those who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18; Romans 3:22). But there is no pride or prejudice involved. It is a higher form of classism, where the redeemed serve the unredeemed and act as ministers of reconciliation “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”, (2 Corinthians 5:18). Christians do not lord their position in Christ over those still lost in sin; rather, they “become all things to all people” 2 Corinthians 9:22 to reach as many as possible.

Delight people with the positive announcement.