The concept of multiculturalism can be taken several different ways, though two are more commonly used. The first is the idea of cultural diversity within a certain political or geographic area. The second is a social or political effort to enforce a certain level of cultural diversity. The biblical view of multiculturalism deals with both aspects, though not in an overly prescriptive way. Practically, the Bible is strongly in favor of multiculturalism in the sense that various languages, foods, styles of music, and customs are part of our human heritage. And all people, of all cultures, are equally valued by God. Politically, the Bible has more to say about respecting authority than it does about specific policies. Theologically, the Bible does not support the idea that all cultural religious ideas are equally true or should be treated as such.
According to Scripture, multiculturalism, in the sense of practical diversity, is exactly what we will see in heaven. The Bible speaks of a vast number of people “from every nation, tribe, people and language” praising God at His throne (Revelation 7:9). The principle of multiculturalism is seen in the Bible’s teaching that race, culture, and gender do not separate us in God’s eyes (Galatians 3:28; Romans 1:16). The Bible even encourages cooperation with cultural norms, so long as they don’t conflict with God’s commands (1 Corinthians 9:22; 10:33). So, in the sense that there are many colors, cultures, and races that God has created and that He values, multiculturalism is an extremely biblical concept. What God creates and values, we should also value.
Politically, the Bible has little to say about multiculturalism beyond the command to respect authority (Romans 13:1–2). By necessity, this means conforming to certain aspects of the local culture. Claiming an unlimited right to offend others is not only unbiblical, it’s unhelpful. An insistence on retaining a totally separate culture from one’s host nation or people is likewise not supported by Scripture. At the same time, love and care for our neighbors means tolerating a certain level of disagreement (Matthew 5:39; Romans 15:1; 1 Corinthians 8:13). So, a biblical view of multiculturalism involves a certain level of political submission and tolerance. At the same time, Christians are commanded to obey God before obeying men (Acts 5:28–29), so when laws or cultural norms directly conflict with biblical concepts, we are obligated toward civil disobedience.
The one area where a biblical perspective directly conflicts with certain styles of multiculturalism is theologically. It is common for multiculturalism to be taken to an extreme of “relativism,” where no particular viewpoint is seen as actually true, correct, or moral. Typically, this is only applied to religious ideas. The claim that all religious ideas are true, all concepts of God are equally valid, or every approach to religion is correct is incompatible with the Bible (John 14:6; 3:36; 1 Timothy 2:5; Exodus 20:2–3). Christians cannot participate in a style of multiculturalism that embraces spiritual error as if it were spiritual truth (2 Timothy 4:3; Galatians 1:8), even if their stand results in negative social consequences (John 15:19).
Multiculturalism, in practice, is simply an expression of God’s creativity. There is much to be valued in different ideas, perspectives, and tastes (Proverbs 11:14; Romans 14:5). To what extent a particular nation enforces certain choices on others is not so much a biblical question as a political one. The Bible does not support the transformation of multiculturalism into relativism, however. Christians are obligated to be loving, respectful, and tolerant (1 Peter 3:15–16; 2:17); at the same time, we are commanded not to participate in the sins of any particular culture (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 11:3), even those of our own culture (Romans 6:17–18; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11).
Indeed true. Though the question I ask based off this, might need an entire article by yourself, here’s the question: Among various cultures among Christians there are different dates and ways in which Christmas gets celebrated. So is it possible to continue this way instead of coming to a common agreement in such things?
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I think it is very possible for the various cultures around the world to continue in their means of celebration of Christmas. It merely falls into tradition and to me it is harmless as long as the central theme is focus on Christ and His birth.
To help you understand more on cultures celebration of Christmas around the world I have posted many of the nations traditional Christmas celebrations. I hope you enjoy it.
Merry Christmas to you and your family and May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you all.
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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Thanks. I’ll do have a look at your articles about them. God bless.
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God bless your work towards his kingdom. Amen
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Michael, as you know, I have not been following your blogs for very long, but I do find them very interesting and usually agree with your position. I also find that frequently your topics are somewhat out of the norm. I’d like to get to know a little more about you, but can’t find an a
About Page. How do you pick the topics for your posts?
Don
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Hello, Donald;
First I’d like apologizing for the time which has passed in responding to you. For the past year my health has been poor and in August I was off for over 4 months with health issues. In that time I was not posting as I had been and was constantly worn out and fatigued. But feeling better as the days go by. I would ask you keep me in your prayers. For that would be greatly appreciated.
Now to answer your correspondence and comments. My about page in actually my home page. I believe one can get to it by looking in the upper left hand corner of any public page. It has some information on me but it’s far from being detailed…
I am not certain to what degree you mean my topics are somewhat out of the norm. I try, for all intent and purpose, to post on Christianity and other world religions. More so, I am analytical and a biblical and history buff; so when posting I try and look for the historical points on any topic. After doing so I try and tie everything together in order to show how it all fits together and bringing clarity to the subject. To do so I use a great many links showing how the Bible fits together into one unique package. This also happens when I respond to peoples comments and questions.
Many time I will pick up on something of which occurs on the news or some statement others might make. My analytical mind takes over with a hoard of questions and then I try tying it to biblical reference….. I want everyone to understand the Bible and God’s word. I know many have read the Bible starting with Genesis and ending with Revelations. They walk away with no complete understanding what has been said to them. This is why many atheists and unbelievers are perplexed at the Bible and often say it’s not coherent. To study the Bible one has to jump from book to book, chapter to chapter and verse to verse in other to grasp the total picture. On day I hope to take everything posted here and fill the pages of a book of which brings forth one picture of the Bible in a clear and concise reading. A book so real and understandable that the reader sets it down when finished and feels they know God personally……. Perhaps this is why my topics seem so abnormal to you.
Don I thank you for your comments and questions. They are, as always, greatly appreciated. I hope I was able to clarify myself to you.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you and yours.
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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Michael, thanks for your response. I will certainly pray for your physical healing. I’m finding that your approach to Scripture is the only way to.make sense out of complex views, especially as I try to approach my study on the End Times.
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Hello, Don;
As you may well know, from my previous comments to others, I believe strongly in intercessory prayer. Christ often prayed to our Father on behalf of other and we are too also. I thank you and others for your prayers, Donald; it means a great deal to me. I will be sure to continue to pray for you and all of my Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Again, thank you.
I wish thanking you for your kind words on the approach to scripture. This too is greatly appreciated.
Your study of the end times will, of course, take you from Daniel to Revelations and many points in between. It is comforting to know that true believers in Christ will not see the tribulation. But instead be called away from the world at these end times. Please feel free to visit any of my posts on the subject of your study. They are openly available to you and others.
Don, once again thank you for what you do for me and for all the others who visit your blog. Always be diligent at doing God’s work – for it is at hand.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you and yours always….
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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Thank you, Tom, for the several links. They are always greatly appreciated.
Merry Christmas to you and your family…
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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