Understanding Racism (A Four-Part Series)
What is racism? How did it become embedded in society? What does Scripture actually say about racial justice? And what responsibility does the church have today?
In this four-part series, Andre Henry — theologian, educator, and program manager of the Racial Justice Institute — guides readers through some of the most important and often misunderstood questions surrounding racism and the Christian faith. Drawing on biblical theology, church history, social analysis, and practical ministry, Henry offers a framework for Christians who want to engage issues of race with both conviction and humility.
Beginning with a biblical definition of racism, the series explores how racism extends beyond individual prejudice into systems and structures that shape opportunity, dignity, and belonging. It then examines the church’s historical role in constructing modern racial hierarchies, tracing how theological ideas were sometimes distorted to justify conquest, slavery, segregation, and exclusion.
From there, Henry turns to Scripture itself, highlighting the Bible’s persistent concern for justice, liberation, hospitality, and human dignity—from the Exodus story and the prophets to the teachings of Jesus and the vision of God’s kingdom in Revelation. Finally, he offers practical guidance for churches seeking to move beyond good intentions toward meaningful repentance, repair, and action.
Together, these articles invite Christians to confront difficult history, deepen their understanding of Scripture, and imagine what faithful witness looks like in a world still shaped by racial injustice. Rather than treating racism as merely a political issue or a matter of personal attitudes, Henry challenges the church to see it as a discipleship issue—one that calls God’s people toward truth, justice, and the flourishing of all people made in the image of God.
Part 1: What Is Racism? A Biblical Understanding of Racism
Why Definitions Matter for Christians Seeking Justice and Neighbor Love
Many Christians understand racism primarily as individual hatred or overt acts of discrimination. In this opening article, Andre Henry argues that such a definition is too narrow to account for how racism actually functions. Drawing on Scripture, theology, and contemporary examples, he shows how racism operates not only through personal prejudice but also through cultural assumptions, institutional practices, and systems that shape opportunity and dignity. Grounded in the biblical truth that every person bears the image of God, this article reframes racism as both a social reality and a spiritual problem — one that Christians cannot confront faithfully unless they first understand it clearly. Read Part 1 >
Part 2: How the Church Helped Construct Modern Racism
Examining the Theological Ideas and Historical Forces That Shaped the Modern Racial Order
Racism did not emerge in a vacuum. In Part 2, Henry traces the ways Christian theology and institutions contributed to the development of modern racial hierarchy. From early assumptions about human difference to the role of the church during conquest, colonization, slavery, and segregation, he explores how theological distortions became embedded in law, culture, and social systems. This article is not an exercise in blame but in truth-telling. By understanding how Christians helped construct the racial world we inherited, the church can begin the necessary work of repentance, repair, and transformation. Read Part 2 >
Part 3: How the Bible Addresses Racial Justice
Discovering the Deep Currents of Justice, Liberation, and Human Dignity Throughout Scripture
Some Christians view concerns about racial justice as political distractions from the gospel. In Part 3, Henry demonstrates that the pursuit of justice is woven throughout the biblical story itself. From the Exodus and the laws protecting foreigners to the Good Samaritan, the teachings of Paul, and Revelation’s vision of God’s kingdom, Scripture consistently affirms the dignity of marginalized people and challenges systems of oppression. This article invites readers to see anti-racist work not as an outside agenda imposed on Christianity, but as a faithful expression of the Bible’s call to love neighbor, pursue justice, and seek human flourishing. Read Part 3 >
Part 4: 6 Ways Churches Can Help Dismantle Systemic Racism
Moving from Understanding to Repentance, Repair, and Faithful Action
The final article turns from diagnosis to practice. After defining racism, examining its history, and exploring Scripture’s vision for justice, Henry asks what the church should do now. He argues that repentance requires more than acknowledging past wrongs — it demands active participation in repair and transformation. Offering six practical steps, he challenges churches to make justice a visible commitment, preach contextually, support movements working for change, and use their resources in service of vulnerable communities. This concluding piece provides a roadmap for congregations seeking to embody the gospel through meaningful action and become communities where dignity, equity, and belonging can flourish. Read Part 4 >
Download the Full Series for Group or Individual Usage
This free, downloadable reflection guide includes the full four-part Economic Injustice series by Dr. Terence Lester, along with guided reflection questions, key themes, and main takeaways.
Created for individuals, small groups, classrooms, and churches, the guide is designed to help readers move from understanding toward faithful action — connecting theology, lived experience, and the call to repair what systems have harmed.
About the Author
Andre Henry is program manager of the Racial Justice Institute. He is a student of nonviolent struggle and social change, including studying leadership in nonviolent movements for social change through the Harvard Kennedy School. He holds a BA in Practical Theology and an MA in Theology with an emphasis in Biblical Languages.