Teaching the Bible Without DEI: A Path to Atheism?

As a community rooted in Christian faith, we are called to reflect upon the recent legislative measures aiming to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives from educational settings. It is imperative to recognize that DEI principles are not external constructs but are deeply embedded in the core teachings of Christianity. Diversity in Creation: The Bible affirms that all humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), underscoring the inherent diversity within humanity. This diversity is further celebrated in passages like Revelation 7:9, which envisions a multitude “from every nation, tribe, people, and language” standing unified before God. To remove the acknowledgment of diversity is to overlook the richness of God’s creation. Equity in Justice: Scripture consistently calls for equitable treatment and justice. Micah 6:8 exhorts believers “to act justly and to love mercy.” The early church modeled equity by ensuring resources were distributed so that “there were no needy persons among them” (Acts 4:34). Eliminating the concept of equity contradicts these biblical mandates for fairness and justice. Inclusion in Community: Jesus’ ministry was marked by radical inclusion, extending grace to individuals irrespective of their societal status or background. The Apostle Paul reinforced this inclusivity, proclaiming that in Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female” (Galatians 3:28). Excluding the principle of inclusion would directly oppose the essence of the Gospel message. Implications for Faith and Education: Removing DEI principles from our educational system not only undermines fundamental Christian values but also risks alienating individuals from the faith. Such actions could lead to perceptions of Christianity as exclusive or unjust, potentially driving people away from the church and fostering skepticism or atheism. A Call for Reflection: In light of these considerations, it is crucial to reflect on how legislative actions align with our Christian convictions. Let us ensure that our policies uphold the biblical principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, embodying the love and justice that Christ exemplified.