There’s No Such Thing as Black and White People

Throughout the Bible, people are usually identified by their family lineage, nation, tribe, or region rather than by skin color. We see this in passages such as Genesis 49, Numbers 1, and Matthew 1.

Science Says We’re All Shades of Brown

Science shows that all humans share the same skin pigment: melanin. Although people produce different amounts of melanin depending on the environments their ancestors came from, every human being has the same basic pigment, which is brown.

Even Ken Ham, the Christian fundamentalist and founder of the Creation Museum, has argued that humanity is one race. From a biological perspective, there are no truly "black" or "white" people. Instead, people exist on a spectrum of skin tones ranging from light brown to dark brown, with many shades in between.

Using the labels "black" and "white" to categorize people creates an oversimplified view of humanity that is not scientifically and biblically accurate. From a biblical perspective, these labels can also contribute to division and misunderstanding. So why does society continue to use them? Why aren't people more often identified by their cultural backgrounds, ethnic groups, or ancestral places of origin instead?

The Origin of Race Labels

Following the Scientific Revolution, many Europeans began questioning traditional ways of thinking rooted in the Catholic Church and made new observations about the world around them. During this same period, Africans were enslaved throughout Europe and the Americas and subjected to horrific and inhumane treatment.

As ideas about human classification developed, some Europeans created racial categories that placed themselves at the top of a hierarchy while portraying Africans as inferior. These ideas helped justify slavery, colonialism, segregation, and other unjust systems that caused lasting harm across generations.

The consequences of these racial classifications extended far beyond simple labels. They contributed to discrimination, social division, economic inequality, and the loss of human dignity for millions of people. Although many leaders and movements have worked to challenge racism and promote equality, these categories continue to shape how people view and treat themselves and others today.

How Satan Uses Race to Create Division

According to Scripture, Satan has sought to bring confusion, division, and destruction since the beginning of human history (Genesis 3). Rather than celebrating the diversity God created, the enemy takes human differences and uses them to pit people against one another.

Labels like "black" and "white" can become tools of division when they encourage people to see one another as opposites instead of fellow image-bearers of God. Throughout history, societies have often associated light with goodness and darkness with evil. When those ideas become connected to skin color, they can reinforce harmful stereotypes and deepen existing divisions.

Humanity's sinful nature makes it easy for people to build walls between themselves and others. Instead of recognizing our shared identity as God's creation, people may choose pride, prejudice, fear, or hatred.

These labels can also affect how individuals see themselves. Some people may view "whiteness" as a symbol of purity, superiority, or greater worth. Others may internalize negative messages associated with being labeled "black." When people believe false ideas about their God-given value, it can damage their confidence, identity, and faith.

For example, if someone begins to believe that society’s labeling of their racial construct automatically determines their potential, they may lose hope and stop pursuing the purpose God has for their life. Lies about identity often become barriers to personal growth and spiritual development.

God's Truth Can Restore Human Dignity

Understanding and applying God's truth can help restore the dignity of people who have been harmed by racial prejudice and false ideas about human worth. It can also challenge pride and superiority in those who view themselves as better than others.

Throughout the Bible, people are usually identified by their family lineage, nation, tribe, or region rather than by skin color. We see this in passages such as Genesis 49, Numbers 1, and Matthew 1. The focus is placed on ancestry, covenant relationships, and community identities, not on racial categories based on physical appearance.

God created humanity as one human family. While people differ in culture, language, ethnicity, and appearance, every person is made in the image of God and possesses equal value and dignity.

If more people embraced this truth, society could move closer to the unity and reconciliation that God desires for humanity. Rather than using false racial labels to define us, we can recognize our shared humanity while still celebrating the beautiful diversity God created.