Should a Christian support DEI?
Introduction
The term DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) has become prominent in modern culture, especially in workplaces and education. For a new Christian, the question of whether to support it is complex because, on the surface, its stated goals—valuing differences, promoting fairness, and ensuring everyone feels welcome—seem to resonate deeply with Christian values.
However, the question is not simply about the words "diversity," "equity," and "inclusion," but the underlying philosophies and specific practices used to achieve them.
To answer this, we must put the concept under the magnifying glass of Scripture to separate what is truly biblical from what might be a secular ideology dressed in moral language. The Christian mandate is to support what is true and good, regardless of its label.
Main: Scrutinizing DEI Through Biblical Lenses
To decide where to offer support, a Christian must break down the three components of DEI and compare them to God's Word.
1. Diversity (Biblical Alignment: High)
What the Bible Says: Diversity is a gift from God. All humanity is made in God’s image (Imago Dei, Genesis 1:27), giving every person inherent dignity and worth. God’s ultimate kingdom vision includes people "from every nation, tribe, people and language" worshipping together (Revelation 7:9). The early church itself was a diverse mix of Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, slave and free (Galatians 3:28).
Christian Stance: We must affirm and celebrate the richness of human differences—ethnic, cultural, and individual—as a reflection of God’s boundless creativity. True Christian diversity sees the common humanity in all, unified not by social categories but by Christ. The Gospel erases hostility, not identity.
The Warning: If a DEI framework reduces individuals only to their group identity (e.g., race, gender) and creates division by framing all interactions solely as "oppressor" vs. "oppressed," it is in conflict with the biblical unity found in Christ (Ephesians 2:14).
2. Equity (Biblical Alignment: Conditional)
What the Bible Says: God demands Justice and Fairness—what the Bible calls righteousness. We are commanded to defend the oppressed, care for the fatherless and the widow, and never show partiality (Micah 6:8; Leviticus 19:15). God is a champion of those marginalized by society.
Christian Stance: Christians are mandated to seek a society where all people have a fair opportunity and where systemic barriers that perpetuate injustice are addressed. We should support "equity" initiatives that seek to achieve a just and level playing field, particularly for those historically disadvantaged.
The Warning: Modern "equity" often means equality of outcomes, achieved through quotas, preferential treatment, or a rejection of meritocracy in favor of group representation.
The Bible, however, promotes equality of opportunity and judges us on our faithfulness with the talents we are given (Matthew 25:14-30). When policies prioritize identity markers over qualifications and character, they contradict the biblical principle of impartiality and merit (1 Samuel 16:7).
3. Inclusion (Biblical Alignment: High)
What the Bible Says: Jesus was radically inclusive, welcoming the Samaritan, the tax collector, the woman caught in adultery, and the Gentile (Luke 19:1-10; John 4). The command is to "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God" (Romans 15:7).
Christian Stance: The Church must be the most welcoming, inclusive community on earth. We are called to love our neighbor and create environments where every person is valued and respected.
The Warning: Biblical inclusion means welcoming the person, but it does not demand affirming the practice if it contradicts God's truth. While we should be hospitable to everyone, we are not called to affirm all lifestyles or beliefs as morally equal. If a program requires Christians to suppress or compromise their core biblical beliefs (e.g., on gender, marriage, or sexuality) in the name of "inclusion," it moves from being a Christian virtue to an ideological compromise.
Conclusion
Should a Christian support DEI? The answer is to support the biblical principles behind the words while being critically discerning of the worldly framework often attached to them.
Champion Biblical Diversity: Value all people as God's image-bearers and celebrate the unity found in the multi-ethnic Body of Christ.
Actively Pursue Biblical Justice (Equity): Work tirelessly to help the marginalized and dismantle true injustice, but reject programs that promote discrimination or unjust favoritism to achieve a prescribed outcome.
Practice Radical Inclusion: Welcome and love every person with the compassion of Christ, but stand firm on the non-negotiable truths of Scripture.
Do not allow a secular acronym to replace the Gospel's power to create genuine unity and justice. Christians should be the leaders in truly valuing diversity, advocating for true justice, and practicing radical inclusion—but we must do it on God's terms, not the culture's.
