What is the biblical view of white privilege?

Response

White privilege is a sociological concept where individuals identified as white in certain countries (mainly Western nations) enjoy more advantages and higher social status compared to non-white individuals. It has been defined as an “invisible package of unearned advantages” that are attributed solely based on being born white, regardless of personal skills or achievements.

Some individuals refute the existence of white privilege or argue that if it does exist, it is not solely due to skin color but also the wealth, prosperity, and power accumulated by Western countries. Nevertheless, individuals with white skin are typically assumed to be from these powerful nations and are treated with deference as a result.

The existence and scope of white privilege are often subjects of political debate. However, it is undeniable that individuals in underprivileged “Third World” countries often have darker skin.

The Bible does not directly mention white privilege as it was not a concept during that time. Nonetheless, throughout history, there have always been privileged individuals and those in need, a situation the Bible addresses extensively.

Firstly, the Bible emphasizes that all individuals hold equal value before God, regardless of race or skin color. In the New Testament, there was a need to address Jewish privilege. While Jews were chosen by God for special blessings, it is highlighted that all individuals (Jews and Gentiles) have sinned and can be justified through faith in Christ (Romans 3:23-24). Galatians 3:26–29 elaborates, “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.”

Abraham’s descendants, and heirs according to the promise.” If God accepts people based on their relationship to Christ, then believers must do the same regardless of color or wealth. Individuals from every tribe, language, people, and nation will comprise the Body of Christ on the final day (Revelation 7:9-10).

James 2:1–4 states, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man enters your gathering wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby attire also enters. If you pay special attention to the well-dressed man and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

Secondly, the Bible teaches that those who have been blessed with material possessions should generously share with those in need. Those in positions of privilege and power should not exploit others. The following verses emphasize this:

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to place their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. By doing so, they will store up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may grasp hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

“Jesus summoned them and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever desires to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’” (Matthew 20:24-28).

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

Third, those who do experience great privileges should recognize that they receive many benefits that they did not earn. By the gracious act of God, they were born into a situation that allowed them to have their physical needs met and to advance their station in life. Their response should be thanksgiving and generosity. “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” «For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou did receive it, why dost thou glory, as if you had not received it? », (1 Corinthians 4:7).

Scripture readily admits that some people have advantages over others in this life. Those who have those advantages should not feel guilty about them but should use them to meet the needs of those who do not have those same advantages. There is no question that Christians in the “First World” have responsibilities to those in the “Third World” to provide physical and spiritual resources, and we will be held accountable for how we used what God has entrusted us with. “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” «But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him

For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. », (Luke 12:48).