In today’s globalized culture, the concepts of DEI awareness—diversity, equity, and inclusion—have become central to both social discourse and corporate policy. For Christian business leaders, these topics are not just contemporary social issues but are deeply rooted in biblical teachings. This article explores the difference between a scriptural view of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the modern perspective, emphasizing the importance of viewing these issues through a biblical lens rather than a cultural worldview.
A Biblical Foundation of Diversity for DEI Awareness
The Bible declares that all people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), a profound truth that establishes the inherent value and worth of every individual. This divine imprint confers dignity on every human being, irrespective of race, gender, or status. The New Testament further emphasizes this concept, promoting a vision of diversity within unity in passages like Galatians 3:28, which states that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus. As leaders, we must view every human interaction through the transformative lens of these biblical principles. By exemplifying genuine understanding and acceptance in the workplace, we reflect God’s kingdom on Earth.
DEI Through the Lens of Biblical Equality and Opportunity
Biblical justice is characterized by righteousness and impartiality, key components that rail against class distinctions to encompass a holistic view of human dignity. This view is supported by Leviticus 19:15, which instructs us not to show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but to judge our neighbor fairly. Equality in the Bible ensures that everyone, particularly the marginalized and oppressed, receive impartial treatment and unobstructed access to opportunities. This extends the command to love our neighbor as ourselves, pushing us towards actions that reflect God’s justice and mercy in all relationships and structures within society. In doing so, our actions provide a check against the temptation to marginalize individuals through tacit compliance. That being the case, how, as business owners, can we empower our employees so that opportunities for advancement are not just available but also achievable for all?
DEI Awareness Yields Inclusion Within the Christian Community
The early Christian church served as a powerful model of inclusion with its revolutionary practice of integrating diverse peoples into a unified body of believers, as seen in Acts 10 with the acceptance of Gentiles into the faith. This scriptural backdrop challenges us to foster environments where everyone, regardless of their background, can find belonging in a mission-forward organization. By doing so, we not only mirror the inclusive nature of the early church but also advance a witness to the unifying power of the Gospel in a divided world.
Critical Evaluation of Modern DEI Awareness Movements
In the current business climate, there’s a growing trend toward the adoption of DEI awareness statements and policies. While modern DEI initiatives seem to resonate with biblical themes of justice and compassion, it’s important to note that they often conflict with scriptural teachings on identity and morality. Before adopting formal statements, Christian business leaders must thoughtfully and critically assess whether these policies strengthen their relationships with customers and employees and support a vision for the workplace that honors God.
Rather than yielding to external pressures, we have the opportunity to cultivate thriving workplaces that truly exemplify diversity based on the biblical values of love, justice, compassion, and respect for the inherent dignity of all individuals created in the image of God. As business owners and CEOs, how we model our values as they are documented in our corporate materials (team member handbooks, meeting agendas, etc.) will speak more pointedly than any policy statement a consultant can develop on our behalf!
Embracing a Biblical Worldview on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In summary, embracing a biblical worldview on DEI awareness enables us as leaders to navigate these complex issues with faithfulness and integrity. By grounding our approach in the Scriptures, we can contribute to building just and inclusive communities that reflect the kingdom of God. For more resources, explore C12 Northern NJ. We are here to empower Christian CEOs and business owners to foster a flourishing workplace environment while courageously upholding biblical standards.
Charles Eapen
Principal Chair
