What Does the Bible Say About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?
The cultural focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) often challenges Christians to discern how these concepts align—or conflict—with God’s Word. While DEI seeks to promote fairness and representation, the Bible offers a higher standard rooted in God’s justice, love, and truth. This perspective provides an insightful Biblical view on DEI.
Diversity: Unity in Christ, Not Division
DEI Definition: Celebrating differences in race, gender, culture, and identity, often making diversity an end goal.
Biblical Perspective: God created diversity to reflect His glory. Every person is made in His image (Genesis 1:27), and diversity is fully realized in the unity of Christ’s kingdom: “A great multitude… from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne.” (Revelation 7:9, NASB).
The Bible unites all people under Yeshua, breaking down barriers of division (Galatians 3:28). Unlike DEI, which risks prioritizing group identity, the biblical view calls for diversity to glorify God, not elevate differences over unity. Understanding this is crucial from a Biblical view on DEI.
Equity: God’s Justice, Not Equal Outcomes
DEI Definition: Addressing systemic inequality by redistributing resources to achieve equal results, often emphasizing group identity.
Biblical Perspective: God’s justice is impartial. “You shall not do injustice in judgment; you shall not show partiality to the poor nor give preference to the great.” (Leviticus 19:15, NASB). Fairness is grounded in God’s righteousness, rewarding personal responsibility: “If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10, NASB).
The Bible rejects both favoritism and unjust redistribution. True equity values diligence, character, and accountability, reflecting God’s impartiality (Deuteronomy 10:17). These principles form part of a Biblical view on DEI.
Inclusion: Loving All, Upholding Truth
DEI Definition: Ensuring everyone feels valued, often affirming behaviors or lifestyles that conflict with biblical teachings.
Biblical Perspective: The Gospel is inclusive in calling all people to repentance and faith in Yeshua. Jesus loved sinners but commanded them to leave sin behind (John 8:11). True inclusion acknowledges every person’s worth while rejecting sin, as “the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, NASB).
The biblical approach balances love for the sinner with God’s unchanging truth. “Each servant stands or falls to his own master.” (Romans 14:4, NASB). Therefore, the inclusion aspect is also informed by a Biblical view on DEI.
Conclusion: Justice Rooted in God’s Truth
While DEI initiatives often reflect cultural trends, biblical justice is unchanging. Diversity glorifies God’s creative design, equity upholds His fairness, and inclusion is rooted in love and truth. As believers, we are called to treat all people with dignity while standing firm on God’s standards from a Biblical view on DEI.
God alone is our Judge, and every person will answer to Him. Employers, leaders, and individuals must reflect His justice, love, and holiness in all decisions.
