Read Chapter 2 - The Bible In Color
Discussion Questions
Race and Ethnicity
1. The authors use adoption here in America as an example of how we may accidentally place a monetary value onto someone who is being adopted based on their skin color. What were some of your thoughts as you read this methodology through their point of view? Have you ever thought of such a practice as being unethical, especially in light of the Imagio Dei truth that all people are created equal in the image of God?
2. Read Galatians 3:1 - The authors suggest that Paul uses an ethnic slur when addressing the Galatians in this verse. Assuming their statements to be true, how does that change what you understand about the Apostle Paul in his dealings with the Galatian church? What do you think Paul was trying to communicate by using this type of language?
3. Read John 1:43-46; Jesus was considered "less than" by Philip simply because of where Jesus was from. This is an issue that humans still wrestle with today, though our bias is not based only on a person's city of origin. How does it affect your view of Jesus to know that he was born to a people group considered inferior by the majority culture (Romans) and in a town that other Jews considered backward and unimportant (Nazareth)?
4. What are some other areas that we tend to be bias in leading to judgement in our hearts towards others? Think through the lens of identity, politics, socioeconomic and class structures, as well as ethnicity and race.
5. As a reconciling community, what action steps we must take in order to be aware of our own bias, and create a culture that is biblically based and not overly influenced by our western culture?
Prayer Points
1. Take time to prayerfully consider your prejudices. Pray for the person to your left asking Jesus to reveal such shortcomings in your heart and for the Holy Spirit to help you overcome your moments of failure
2. Each day this week pray a prayer as you start your day asking the Lord to remind you to be cognoscente of how you are interacting, and thinking, of others in all that you do.
Homework:
Read Chapter 3 - Just Words?
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