How Christian Parents Can Raise Anti-Racist Children
In our tumultuous world, it can feel overwhelming to know how Christian parents should respond to racism in a biblical way — and how we can raise anti-racist children. But it is a task we must undertake if we are truly to walk in the footsteps of the great equalizer, advocate, and redeemer: Jesus.
Of all the things we are desperately trying to instill and nurture in our children, being conduits of racial justice and equality might be one of the most impactful ways we change the future. And we can do it together.
What is an Anti-Racist?
The term anti-racist is a cultural buzz-word to describe someone who intentionally works against racism. In today’s culture, being an anti-racist means that you are willing to go beyond just avoiding prejudice. You are willing to notice it, name it, and push back. By contrast, simply “not being racist” is a neutral stance. Whereas, being an anti-racist is an offensive approach. It crosses the line from quiet disapproval into active resistance.
In the past, many of us were taught to be “color blind,” to treat everyone the same, to not acknowledge differences. While that instinct aimed at peace and equality, it too often produced indifferent silence. And silence rarely repairs what sin has broken.
The incredible part is that the Bible already supports active opposition to wrongdoing! Scripture rarely calls God’s people to the mere avoidance of evil. In fact, God consistently presses His people to move from passive innocence to active renewal. We are invited into God’s redemptive work in culture, into the process of restoration.
So, when I say that we should raise anti-racist children, I do not mean raising kids for a political tribe. Rather, I mean raising children who refuse indifference. Moreover, bringing up kids who notice injustice, honor the dignity of every image-bearer, and participate in God’s work of making all things new.
Anti-racism, in a Christian sense, is not about adopting a slogan. It is practicing redemption.
The Problem of Racial Inequality
Racial inequality can feel like an insurmountable task. I’m not sure about you, but I look around our broken world, and I feel inadequate. This problem is enormous, permeating every level of our modern society, government, and justice system. This Goliath is much too big for our small stones. And yet, we are called to the task. Not because our stones are powerful or our aim is sure, but because of whose son or daughter we are. The sons and daughters of Justice Himself. Equipped or not, we are heirs to His throne (Rom. 8:17). And with that position comes great responsibility and an even greater power — not ours, but His.
What Does the Bible Say About Racism?
What difference can Christians make? How can we change hearts or minds or lives? I get it. I’m there, too; overwhelmed to the point of inaction. But we must rally ourselves from our stupor. In fact, Jesus requires this of us. He told us; He showed us. He has commanded us to act justly (Micah 6:8), to go beyond our cultural boundaries in order to love (Luke 10:25-37), to seek the marginalized (Matt. 25:31-46), to speak for the voiceless (Prov. 31:8-9), to give dignity to the lowly (Ps. 113:7-8), and to impart value to all people equally (Gal. 3:28). Ours is the work; His is the fulfillment (Phil. 1:6).
Why Christian Parents Need to Raise Anti-Racist Children
Why is it important for Christian parents to raise anti-racist children? Because, at its core, Christianity commands love, justice, and equality. These are not cultural preferences or modern additions. In fact, they flow directly from the Word of God and the character of the God who gave it. We are called not only to believe rightly, but to live accordingly as imitators of Christ. Scripture speaks to this plainly and repeatedly, and it’s worth slowing down to see what God actually tells His people to do.
Biblical Mandate for Justice
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness. Therefore, Christian parents have a responsibility to instill these values in their children and to actively work towards a more just and equitable society.
Imago Dei (Image of God)
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” – Gen. 1:27
Christianity teaches that all people are created in the image of God, and therefore possess inherent dignity and worth. Racism contradicts this fundamental belief by devaluing and dehumanizing certain groups based on race. Conversely, teaching anti-racism reinforces the Christian principle of recognizing the divinely-bestowed worth of every individual.
Call to Love Neighbor
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matt. 22:39b
Jesus Christ instructed his followers to love their neighbors as themselves, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background. This commandment compels Christians to actively combat racism and to advocate for the well-being of all people, particularly those who are marginalized or oppressed. Furthermore, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) challenges racial and ethnic prejudices. It illustrates the importance of showing compassion and love to all people, even those who may be perceived as outsiders or enemies.
Church as a Diverse Body
Galatians 3:28 says that “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
The Christian church is meant to be a diverse and inclusive community where people from every nation, tribe, and tongue come together as one body in Christ. Toward this end, raising anti-racist children aligns with the biblical vision of unity and diversity within the body of believers.
In Acts 10:34-35, Peter tells us “that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right.”
Historical Role in Perpetuating Racism
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. … Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.” – Prov. 22: 6, 8
Unfortunately, throughout history, some Christians and Christian institutions have been complicit in promoting or perpetuating racist ideologies and practices. Consequently, it is essential for Christian parents to break this cycle by actively teaching anti-racism and addressing the legacy of racism within the church. Breaking bad habits usually involves more than just giving up the old way. It requires a new habit to replace it. Therefore, we cannot simply raise children who are not racists. Instead, we need to raise children who will fight, advocate, and perpetuate equality and justice. In short, they need to be anti-racists.
Witness to the World
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35
By raising anti-racist children, Christian parents bear witness to the transformative power of Christ’s love and the message of the Gospel. We demonstrate to the world that Christianity is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that promotes justice, equality, and reconciliation.
Preparation for Kingdom Values
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes.” – Rev. 7:9
Ultimately, as Christians, we believe in the coming of God’s kingdom, where all forms of injustice will be eradicated, and every tear will be wiped away. Raising anti-racist children prepares them to participate in and contribute to the realization of this kingdom, where love and righteousness reign supreme.
How Christian Parents Can Raise Anti-Racist Children
Raising anti-racist children as Christian parents involves a holistic approach that integrates faith, education, empathy, and action. Here are some small but powerful steps we can take together:
→ Model Anti-Racist Behavior
Children learn by example. Demonstrate anti-racist attitudes and behaviors in your daily life. Most importantly, engage in diverse friendships, advocate for social justice, and challenge discriminatory practices.
→ Educate About Diversity
Introduce your children to diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives. To start, incorporate books, movies, and experiences that celebrate diversity and combat stereotypes. (See our list of resources at the bottom of this post.)
→ Have Open Conversations
Create a safe space for discussing race and racism. And encourage your children to ask questions, express their thoughts, and explore their own biases. Be willing to engage in difficult conversations and address any misconceptions.
→ Teach Empathy and Compassion
Instill empathy by teaching your children to recognize and value the experiences of others. For example, encourage them to imagine themselves in someone else’s shoes and to act with kindness and compassion towards all people.
→ Challenge White Privilege
Help your children understand the concept of white privilege and how it contributes to systemic racism. Be willing to set aside the political baggage that such a term carries. In the end, face it head-on as a reality, not a cultural war.
Encourage your kids to use their privilege to advocate for equity and justice for marginalized individuals and communities. In fact, this is EXACTLY what Jesus does for us: uses His position to advocate for us and imparts His righteousness to us (1 Jn. 2:1; 2 Cor. 5:21).
→ Promote Social Justice
Get involved in social justice initiatives as a family. Volunteer for organizations working towards racial equity, participate in protests or advocacy campaigns, and support policies that promote equality. Use social media to advocate for social justice. Or rest on Sundays as a way to let others rest, too.
→ Foster Critical Thinking
Teach your children to critically analyze media, history, and societal norms through a lens of racial justice. Moreover, encourage them to question stereotypes, challenge biased narratives, and seek out diverse perspectives.
→ Embrace Diversity in Worship
Encourage your church community to embrace diversity in worship, leadership, and programming. Furthermore, support initiatives that promote inclusivity and address racial disparities within the church and society.
→ Pray for Justice and Healing
Incorporate prayer into your anti-racist efforts. Specifically, pray for wisdom, courage, and perseverance in the fight against racism, and ask for God’s guidance in raising children who actively work towards racial justice and reconciliation.
By the Grace of God
Recently, I had a discussion with one of my kids that reminded me that despite all of our best, intentional efforts, the world is often speaking untruths to our children. This is especially the case if we are raising white children in mostly white communities. Raising anti-racist children is not a one-and-done task. Instead, it is a grueling, constant fight against the current. One that takes diligence, intention, and patience. In the end, after we have done our best (and probably still messed up quite a bit), it is the Lord who ultimately can do the miraculous. After all, if He was able to love and redeem us even while we were still dead in our sins (Rom. 5:8), He can stir in the hearts of our children to love others. And that is my adamant prayer!
Teaching Children to Be Anti-Racist
Christians are not afforded the option of indifference when it comes to brokenness in our world. The Bible continually calls God’s people to go beyond private virtue into faithfulness. Thankfully, Jesus does not call us to battle alone. He goes before us; He works in us. He perfects our inadequate efforts and completes the weary race we run. By His power and through His example, we can train ourselves and our children to be anti-racists in ways that mimic the biblical view of racial and social equality.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Your support helps sustain the writing & work of thoughtful cultural engagement shared here at Culture Redeemed.
Additional Resources for Anti-Racism
Books, television, and movies can grant families a great starting place for further discussion and action. Here are a few recommendations. Please note that not all of these titles are appropriate for all ages! Use your own judgement and possibly the age rating guides available on IMDB, Common Sense Media, Amazon, or other trusted resources. Although AI is considered a modern oracle, and can be a great tool for parent guide information, know that it often makes mistakes.
Non-Fiction Books
These works help families understand the historical realities of racial injustice and the lived experiences of those who endured it. Many are best suited as books for teens and adults. As a result, they offer meaningful opportunities for thoughtful discussion.
- The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
- Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass — a must-read for high schoolers and above
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coastes — a powerful look at the unique perspective of parenting a child of color vs a child of privilege
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
- Black Boy by Richard Wright
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin
- Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri — one of our family’s FAVORITE read-aloud books!
- Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (PDF) by Harriet Ann Jacobs
- “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro” (PDF) by Frederick Douglass — we read this as a family every 4th of July
- The Poetry of Phillis Wheatley
Fiction Books
Stories often open hearts in ways arguments cannot. For example, the way mythological stories point to Jesus. These novels invite readers to step into another perspective and wrestle with justice, dignity, and compassion through narrative.
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker
- Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe — it is banned in many public schools now for its blatantly Christian message; a fantastic read for all believers
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Roots by Alex Haley
- The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
- The Help by Kathryn Stockett
- The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Movies
Films can spark powerful family conversations when watched prayerfully and discussed afterward (see some examples of Christian symbolism in Frozen 2 and a Christian review of Disney’s Shang-Chi). The following titles highlight injustice, perseverance, and the overlooked contributions of many whose stories deserve to be told.
- Harriet (2019)
- Remember the Titans (2000)
- The Help (2011)
- Just Mercy (2020)
- Hidden Figures (2016) — highlights the faithful, quiet contributions of those traditionally overlooked by history
- Get Out (2017) — a spooky movie with an anti-racist message
- The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is racism a sin according to the Bible?
Yes. Scripture condemns partiality and oppression, and calls believers to love their neighbor and pursue justice. Racism is a violation of that command.
Q. What’s the difference between “not racist” and “anti-racist”?
“Not racist” is passive. And anti-racist is active. It means refusing indifference and choosing to notice, resist, and repair what’s broken.
Q. How do I talk to my kids about race as a Christian?
Start simple and honest, and keep the conversation ongoing. Anchor it in Imago Dei (every person bears God’s image) and “love your neighbor” as a daily practice.
Q. What does the Bible say about equality?
All people share equal dignity as image-bearers, and in Christ there is no hierarchy of worth. The church is called to unity without erasing God’s diverse creation.
Do you have further insights into how to raise anti-racist children or additional resources you that might be helpful to other families? Please share them in the comments below!