Do you think religions promote racism?

Answer 1

While I don't know, directly, of many religions at all that directly promote racism, I do think many religions have been used, by people, to provide a foundation for segregation, and, of course, that provides an environment in which racism can exist, and even can flourish.

In the most direct example, their are a number of supremacist movements, historically, and presently, that justify their racists views through religious principle, citing that "god" has declared a particular race to be superior to others. And, because they base the prejudice on a spiritual foundation, of course they can them claim the view to be "right" because it is, supposedly, a "god" given point of view.

As a less direct example, we see that many wars fought over opposing religious principles can begin to include a racist element, where people assume that an entire culture of people is represented by a religion, and so, rather than disagreeing with the religion itself, racist views develop where hatred for an entire culture develops, and then hatred for any person who is of that culture, even if that person does not even practice the religion which was originally the matter being fought about.

In just a general sense, where even direct battle is not at hand, certainly any religion that promotes itself to be the "only" way sets itself up to be exclusive, and sets itself up to be "right" at the expense of everyone else being "wrong." Because a number of prominent religions do claim to have the "only way" to god, or to heaven, or to happiness, these religions, throughout history, have set people against each other. After all, two people can't both be right, and, when each person insists on being the only one who has the "true" way, then, even if the religion invites someone to convert, the religion still serves to isolate and separate people by discouraging diversity, and insisting upon uniformity.

So, overall, while I certainly don't think religions directly promote racism, I think many of the major religions do promote a "We're right and everyone else is wrong" kind of mentality, which creates prejudice toward others of opposing views, which sow the seeds for racism to develop.

Clearly, history has shown us, again and again, that racism is often found where religions are in dispute. So, while religion, in and of itself may not preach racism, and even may declare racism to be wrong, I think that we'd have less racism in the world if we did not have the religions we have today.

Answer 2

I sure that some religions or religious groups probably do promote racism (Some may even promote racism but not even realize it).

As a Christian, I can only say this, Jesus presents us with a very unique picture. Christianity is different than all other religions in this way. All are welcome to come to Jesus. While Christianity may seem to be without compromise in matters of the faith, it is the most inclusive religion in the world. Anyone (regardless of gender, race, class or age) can become a Christian.

If Jesus were to have a party, it would be a "come as you are" party.

“For God so loved all the people of this world so much that He gave His only son, so that everyone who believes in Him will never perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Answer 3

Some do as part of their teachings. Others have members/believers that distort the teachings to rationalize racism.

Historically, Christianity has a mixed record, but has generally been in the front of fighting racism, promoting rights for women, etc. The teachings of Jesus are clearly inclusive and non-racist.

Answer 4

No!

But it does promote ignorance as all religions are based on primitive faith beliefs.

For example, the Roman Catholic Church believed up until the mid 19th century that the universe had been created in about a week some 6,000 years ago as described in the book of genesis.

Pure rhubarb!!

Answer 5

Undoubtedly, some of them do.
This happens in cases where a religion is part of the "national identity" of a particular human group.
Marrying a Jew, a Christian, a Hindu, is difficult, unless you adopt their religion. The consequence is that human group becomes islated from the rest of the world, creating a "difference" between them and the others, and so you see the members of a particular religion, usually have a common ethnic, social or cultural background, different from those of others.

Answer 6

First of all, they promote divisions, religion can rip whole families apart, which was the second goal of the "devil". His number one goal was to crush the other half of the Godhead, and blot Her (Israel) out of existance. Having accomplished this, the woman was robbed of Her rightful place and position, and Her power was stolen. This inequality is what causes most of the violence in the domestic scene, the number one foundation for human living.

Answer 7

No.

I have known people that never went to a church nor had faith in anything other than them self or where science was their religion of choice that were racist.

While I am sure that it is more than possible to run into such a person that makes a claim to a particular belief - that doesn't limit such stupidity to any and all of that particular group being a racist as they very well may be.

Answer 8

James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

True Religion does not. But there isn't a whole lot of that.

Answer 9

most religions promote Love

Answer 10

Religion is a matter of belief among men......

Does religion promote racism? -only men....

Your sister,
ginger