Colorblindness
- Monique Duson
- Sep 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 17
The concept of colorblindness, often encapsulated in the phrase "I don't see race," advocates treating individuals equally by focusing on shared humanity rather than racial or ethnic differences. Proponents generally view it as a path to unity, while critics argue it glosses over the physical differences between ethnicities and the cultural realities of racism.
The concept of colorblindness (e.g., "I don't see race") shares alignment with and divergence from the Gospel. It's a very tricky issue! This essay explores the pros and cons of colorblindness, unpacking the phrase through a Christian lens.
The Compatibility of Colorblindness with the Christian Worldview
Echoing Biblical Equality
The phrase "I don't see race" reflects a desire to treat all people as equals, resonating with the Christian belief that every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Scripture not only affirms the equal worth of all humans, but also our universal need for salvation through Jesus from our sins. This is clearly seen in Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” By emphasizing our shared identity in Christ over racial distinctions, the phrase "I don't see race" aligns with the call to transcend cultural divisions and foster ethnic unity. From a Christian perspective, this phrase can express a sincere attempt to honor the universal dignity bestowed by the Creator.
Combating Personal Prejudice
Traditional Christianity condemns partiality based on superficial characteristics. We are called to judge people according to their actions and character (Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 16:19; James 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 5:21; 1 Peter 1:17). The sentiment behind "I don't see race" seeks to avoid improper prejudice by judging individuals based on character rather than skin color, echoing God’s focus on the heart over outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). In personal interactions, this approach can help Christians live out the command to treat others with fairness, reducing the risk of snap judgments based on outward appearance, including things like foreign accents and national origins. This use of the concept of colorblindness reveals a well-intentioned effort to embody Christlike impartiality.
Promoting Gospel Unity
The New Testament envisions a Church united across diverse nations and tribes (Revelation 7:9). The phrase "I don't see race" supports God's salvation place to make a new people from among the nations (1 Peter 2:9), discouraging unnecessary racial divisions and encouraging fellowship rooted in our common identity in Christ. In this way, the concept of colorblindness expresses a longing for the reconciling power of the Gospel, where external differences fade in light of our shared salvation and the reality of there being one body in Christ.
Why the Idea of Colorblindness Needs to be Used with Caution
Overlooking Injustices
While the sentiment behind the phrase "I don't see race" aims for equality, it is often interpreted by those who have been influenced by the ideology of antiracism as dismissing the reality of racial injustice. Thus it is seen as in conflict with the Christian mandate to pursue justice. Because Scripture urges believers to defend the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17), people influenced by antiracism see the concept of colorblindness as a declaration that wealth disparities and race-based problems in the criminal justice system as irrelevant or nonexistent. Critics of colorblindness argue that it sidesteps historical and ongoing inequities, hindering the Church’s role in addressing them. The phrase "I don't see race" ignores the physical reality of racial differences, and as such, it risks ignoring the wounds race has caused.
Diminishing God-Given Cultural Diversity
Christianity celebrates the diversity of God’s creation, as depicted in the multitude of cultures worshiping together (Revelation 7:9). The early Church valued the unique contributions of Jews and Gentiles while uniting them in Christ (Acts 15). The phrase "I don't see race" can downplay very real ethnic and cultural distinctions between Christians. In this, we may inadvertently overlook God's divinely ordained richness. A colorblind approach can unintentionally dismiss the beauty of (non-moral) cultural differences, which reflect God’s creative design.
Avoiding Deeper Understanding
The phrase "I don't see race" can foster a simplistic mindset that avoids the hard work of overcoming cultural differences among Christians. By glossing over these realities, the concept of colorblindness may prevent Christians from acknowledging genuine cultural differences within the local church. It may prioritize silence over the mutual understanding required to walk in unity as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Balancing the Tension
The phrase "I don't see race" uncovers a tension between its noble intent and its limitations. It captures a biblical desire for equality, impartiality, and unity, reflecting the Gospel’s power to unite diverse people in Christ. However, it can easily be misunderstood as ignoring injustices and diminishing very real differences between cultures and tribes.
Rather than fully embracing or rejecting the phrase "I don't see race," we encourage Christians to clarify its intent. Believers can affirm the phrase’s call to impartial love while actively engaging with the current realities of injustice. This could involve developing friendships with brothers and sisters from other cultures and celebrating the diverse expressions of God’s image across cultures. By grounding our response in Scripture, prayer, and humility, Christians can walk in a unity that honors both the oneness of our identity in the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:1-3) and the diversity of God’s creation.
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